Plaintiffs Seek Class Action Status Against Google
The legal filing alleges that Google tracked sensitive health data through various provider portals.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Healthcare
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Plaintiffs have asked a federal judge to certify a class action lawsuit against Google. The group alleges the company improperly tracked health information belonging to patients at six major healthcare systems.
Why it matters
The case centers on claims that Google monitored patient movements across websites without proper authorization. It highlights ongoing concerns regarding data privacy and the integration of third-party tracking code into sensitive medical platforms.
The proposed class action includes six distinct healthcare systems, including Kaiser Permanente and MedStar Health, that integrated Google source code into their patient portals. This action covers users who communicated health information through those portals from October 2017 to the present.
The players
A global technology company that provides various software tools and internet services used by developers and businesses.
Kaiser Permanente
A major integrated managed care consortium that provides healthcare services to millions of members across the country.
MedStar Health
A non-profit healthcare organization serving the mid-Atlantic region with a network of hospitals and outpatient centers.
The details
The plaintiffs claim that Google violated the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act by tracking user health information across online platforms. The lawsuit alleges that Google source code was embedded in portals, allowing for unauthorized data collection.
Timeline
The alleged tracking of patient portal data began in October 2017 and continues to the present.
Plaintiffs formally requested class certification from a federal judge on October 16, 2026.
Market Landscape
This litigation highlights a growing trend of legal scrutiny regarding how big tech companies interact with sensitive sector-specific data. It places Google in direct conflict with patient privacy expectations and could force a broader industry shift in how hospitals audit third-party code integration.
Patients who use online portals for their medical communications may be affected if they belong to one of the six healthcare systems named in the filing. Those concerned about their digital privacy may want to review which third-party cookies or scripts are active during their portal sessions.
The takeaway
Maintaining awareness of how health websites share data with advertising partners is essential for protecting sensitive medical information. Users can regularly check browser settings and privacy permissions to limit tracking when accessing healthcare services online.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Healthcare policy and industry litigation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlex.
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