Privacy and Security Risks of Online Tracking Technologies for Hospital Systems and Telehealth Providers

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have issued a joint warning to hospital systems and telehealth providers about the privacy and security risks associated with online tracking technologies integrated into their websites or mobile apps. The agencies are concerned that these technologies may be disclosing consumers' sensitive personal health data to third parties without their knowledge or consent. The unauthorized disclosure of such information could reveal sensitive health details and violate privacy laws. The FTC has previously taken enforcement actions and provided guidance to companies regarding the monitoring and protection of health information shared with third parties.