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Plaintiff accuses LinkedIn of privacy violations

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RECORD

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Plaintiff accuses LinkedIn of privacy violations

State Court
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A class action lawsuit has been filed against Linkedin, accusing it of violating privacy laws by intercepting sensitive medical information. The complaint was lodged by a plaintiff identified only as J.P., representing himself and others similarly affected, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara on Sept. 23.

The lawsuit alleges that LinkedIn intercepted confidential communications from users who scheduled therapy appointments through the website www.headway.co, which is operated by Therapymatch, Inc. According to the complaint, LinkedIn used its software known as the LinkedIn Insight Tag to track and record these interactions without obtaining user consent. This conduct allegedly contravenes both state and federal privacy laws designed to protect sensitive medical information. "LinkedIn intentionally intercepted these sensitive and confidential communications," the complaint states, highlighting the breach of trust users place in online platforms when seeking mental health support.

J.P., domiciled in Beverly Hills, California, claims that his private data was tracked while he searched for therapy related to anxiety and depression on Headway's platform during 2021 and 2022. The lawsuit accuses LinkedIn of using this data for targeted advertising purposes without consent, thereby breaching its own user agreements and privacy policies. It is alleged that LinkedIn's actions are a violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), specifically under Penal Code Section 631(a), which prohibits unauthorized interception of communications.

The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court. They demand compensatory damages including statutory damages up to $5,000 per violation or three times the actual damages incurred. Additionally, they seek punitive damages sufficient to deter similar future conduct by LinkedIn. The plaintiffs also request injunctive relief to prevent further unauthorized interceptions and an order requiring LinkedIn to disgorge any profits obtained through these alleged wrongful acts.

Representing J.P. is attorney Sarah N. Westcot from Bursor & Fisher, P.A., based in Miami, Florida. The case is being overseen by Judge L. Ayala under Case No. 24CV447940.

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