Website analytics and advertising tools, such as pixels, are regularly targeted in lawsuits brought under various wiretap laws, including the federal Wiretap Act and the California Invasion of Privacy Act (“CIPA”). We cover significant developments and trends in website wiretapping lawsuits on Inside Class Actions. Over the last several months, we have featured posts discussing an important decision from Massachusetts’ highest court about the availability of website wiretap suits under Massachusetts law, an opinion from a California court about a new “pen register” theory under CIPA, and more. These posts, and other highlights, include the following:
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Matthew Verdin
Matthew Verdin focuses on defending clients in the technology and financial services sectors. He has a strong record of delivering wins on behalf of clients in class actions and complex litigation, particularly in privacy and consumer protection lawsuits. Matthew is particularly successful in securing dismissals at the pleadings stage. For example, he won dismissal at the pleadings stage of over a dozen wiretapping class actions involving the alleged use of website analytics tools to collect data about users’ website visits. He also advises companies on managing litigation risk under federal and state wiretapping laws.
Matthew is also dedicated to pro bono legal services. Recently, he helped a domestic violence survivor win a case in the California Court of Appeal. Matthew’s oral argument led to the court ordering renewal of his client’s restraining order just one day later.
New Jersey Court Applies CIPA’s Party Exception to Pixel Wiretap Complaint
Last month, a New Jersey federal judge applied Third Circuit precedent to hold that the California Invasion of Privacy Act (“CIPA”) does not impose liability for commonplace use of website marketing/analytics pixels under the well-established party exception. Cole v. Quest Diagnostics, Inc., 2025 WL 88703 (D.N.J. Jan. 14, 2025).
Continue Reading New Jersey Court Applies CIPA’s Party Exception to Pixel Wiretap Complaint