In the latest episode of ‘What Were They Thinking?’, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to take Hims & Hers to court. Spoiler alert: it’s not about their questionable branding choices. The FTC is suing the telehealth company for allegedly sending user health information to social media giants Meta and Snap. Yes, you heard that right! Your sensitive health data might just be on the same servers as your friend’s latest cat meme.
Complaint alleges telehealth provider shared consumers’ sensitive health information with third-party advertising platforms despite promising patient privacy … The Federal Trade Commission, joined by Utah and California, by and through Los Angeles County Counsel, today sued Hims & Hers alleging that the telehealth provider shared consumers’ sensitive health information about medical conditions with third-party advertising platforms despite claiming its services maintain consumers’ privacy and deceives users about its billing and cancellation practices.
For those who might be unfamiliar, Hims & Hers is a company that offers a range of health services, from hair loss treatments to sexual health solutions. It’s like your well-meaning friend who suggests you try a new health fad, except this friend has a shady side hustle with big tech companies.
Now, you might be wondering, how did we get here? Well, the FTC claims that Hims & Hers didn’t just slip up once or twice. They allegedly mishandled user data in a way that would make even the most seasoned privacy advocate clutch their pearls. Apparently, when users signed up for these health services, they thought they were simply getting medical advice, not unwittingly signing up for a data-sharing program with the likes of Facebook and Snapchat. Imagine logging in to consult about hair loss, and instead of privacy, you get a targeted ad for a wig.
The crux of the lawsuit is about consent—something that seems to be lost in translation in the digital age. The FTC argues that Hims & Hers did not adequately inform users that their health data could be shared with these social media platforms. It’s like going to a restaurant, ordering a salad, and finding out they also charged you for the entire kitchen staff’s lunch. Not cool, right?
In a world where privacy is becoming an increasingly rare commodity, this case raises some serious questions about how companies handle sensitive information. Are we just too trusting when we click ‘I agree’ on those lengthy terms and conditions? Or are companies so desperate for data that they forget about the people behind the clicks?
Hims & Hers has publicly stated that they are committed to user privacy and are defending themselves against these allegations. They might want to start by hiring a lawyer who specializes in data protection, because the stakes are high. If they lose, we could see a precedent set that holds companies accountable for how they manage our health information.
This case is a reminder that we need to be vigilant about our data, especially when it comes to our health. So, the next time you’re tempted to order that miracle cure online, just remember: your health data might not be as private as you thought.
In conclusion, as we sit back and watch this unfold, let’s hope that Hims & Hers takes this opportunity to rethink their data-sharing practices. Because if they don’t, they might just find themselves in a world of hurt—one that not even the best hair restoration treatment can fix.
Inspired by: “FTC sues Hims & Hers for sending user health info to Meta, Snap” (r/technology)