Northwell Health Settles Patient Data Sharing Lawsuit

Patients can now file claims over alleged unauthorized data sharing with tech firms.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:48am

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A ghostly, glowing X-ray image of the internal components of a medical data storage device, conceptually representing the sensitive nature of patient health information.The Northwell Health data privacy settlement aims to protect sensitive patient information from unauthorized sharing.New Hyde Park Today

Northwell Health, a major healthcare provider in New York, has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging it shared patient data without consent with third-party companies like Meta and Google. The settlement allows affected patients to file claims, though Northwell did not admit to any wrongdoing.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns over patient privacy and the handling of sensitive medical data, especially as healthcare providers increasingly partner with tech firms. The settlement aims to provide recourse for patients whose information may have been improperly accessed or used.

The details

The lawsuit, filed by New York residents Eryn Kaplan, Michael Zuri, and Kathyann, alleged that Northwell Health shared patient data with third parties without obtaining the necessary consent. As part of the settlement, Northwell has agreed to allow affected patients to file claims, though the company did not admit to any wrongdoing.

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2025.
  • Northwell Health agreed to the settlement in April 2026.

The players

Northwell Health

A major healthcare provider based in New Hyde Park, New York.

Eryn Kaplan, Michael Zuri, and Kathyann

New York residents who filed the class-action lawsuit against Northwell Health.

Meta

The parent company of Facebook, which was allegedly among the third parties that received patient data from Northwell Health.

Google

Another tech company that was allegedly among the third parties that received patient data from Northwell Health.

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What’s next

Patients affected by the alleged data sharing can now file claims as part of the settlement.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges healthcare providers face in balancing patient privacy with the benefits of data-sharing partnerships. The settlement aims to provide some recourse for patients, but the broader issue of how to properly handle sensitive medical data remains a complex and evolving concern.