H. v. Meta Platforms, Inc.

Background

E.H. and C.S. filed an unopposed motion asking to proceed under pseudonyms, meaning they would identify themselves in the public case using initials rather than their full names. The opinion describes the lawsuit as a putative class action. The plaintiffs alleged that Meta intercepted and disseminated identifiable private health information.

Court’s analysis

The court explained that parties ordinarily must use their real names. A court may permit pseudonyms when keeping a party’s identity confidential is necessary to protect against harassment, injury, ridicule, or personal embarrassment, and when that need outweighs prejudice to the opposing party and the public’s interest in knowing the party’s identity.

The court found that the plaintiffs’ information was sensitive and highly personal. The plaintiffs said that using pseudonyms was necessary to avoid discrimination in social and employment settings and to preserve their ability to decide whether, and to whom, to disclose their mental-health concerns. The court also found that Meta would not be prejudiced because the plaintiffs had indicated they were willing to disclose their identities to Meta for purposes of the litigation.

The court further concluded that the public interest would not be harmed because the plaintiffs’ identities did not appear central to resolving the issues in the case, and using pseudonyms would not prevent public access to the substance of the proceedings.

Disposition

Judge Jon S. Tigar granted the plaintiffs’ motion. E.H. and C.S. may continue proceeding using their initials.