In Re Planned Parenthood Los Angeles Data Incident Litigation

The Challenge

Notifying a diverse class of 408,701 individuals affected by a breach of sensitive medical data posed significant privacy challenges. The class included minors, heightening the need for careful handling of personal information. Balancing transparency about the settlement with the need to protect class members’ privacy required a strategic approach. Ensuring that notices provided clear information without exposing sensitive details was a central priority.

Our Solution

To address these privacy concerns while maintaining compliance with notice requirements, we implemented key measures to safeguard sensitive information:

• Privacy-First Naming Protocol: All references to the case name in the email and postcard notices were updated to the generic term PPLA Settlement, with limited exceptions. In the email notice, the full case name appeared only once in the opening of the body text, ensuring recipients had clarity without repeated exposure to potentially sensitive details.
• Secure Postcard Design: For the double postcard, the full case name was only included on the inside panel, visible only when the recipient opened the mailer. The external sections of the postcard referred to the settlement generically as PPLA Settlement, reducing the risk of privacy breaches if the mail was intercepted or viewed by unintended parties.
• Enhanced Payment Confidentiality: Settlement payments were delivered securely through various convenient options, including mailed checks and encrypted digital platforms like PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, and ACH transfers. These options provided flexibility while ensuring the privacy of recipients’ financial information.

Results

Claims Rate: The 3.88% claims rate reflects the success of the simplified claims process. Class members who received the double-sided postcard with the prepaid tear-off Claim Form could easily participate by simply detaching the form and mailing it back—no signature or additional steps required. For email recipients, the process was equally straightforward, with direct links to submit claims online using minimal information.

Minimized Privacy Risks: Our privacy-first approach ensured that sensitive medical information, especially concerning minors, was protected. The careful handling of the case name in notices minimized exposure, while multi-channel payment methods including both traditional checks and digital payment platforms provided a secure and discreet way for class members to receive their settlement.

This thoughtful combination of privacy safeguards, simplified claims processes, and flexible payment options contributed to high engagement, clear communication, and successful settlement administration, as recognized by the court’s approval.