Do Fitness Apps Share Your Health w/ Others (Insurance Co’s)?
Is your health and fitness app sharing your health score with your insurance company? Do health apps pose privacy risks?
I recently had the opportunity to attend a very informative webinar presented by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse entitled “Mobile Health and Fitness Apps: What Are the Privacy Risks?”
It was based on a nine-month study on privacy apps that many individuals use to monitor their health, learn about specific medical conditions, and help them achieve personal fitness goals. Such apps may include those that support diet and exercise programs; pregnancy trackers; behavioral and mental health coaches; symptom checkers that can link users to local health services; sleep and relaxation aids; and personal disease or chronic condition managers.
These apps appeal to a wide range of consumers because they can be beneficial, convenient, and are often free to use. However, it is clear that there are considerable privacy risks for users – and that the privacy policies (for those apps that have policies) do not describe those risks.
