US FTC Accuses Hims & Hers of Sending User Health Data to Meta and Snap

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against telehealth company Hims & Hers, alleging that the company transmitted users' sensitive health information to social media platforms such as Meta and Snap without authorization. According to the FTC, this data sharing occurred without users' explicit consent and violated the privacy of personal health data. The complaint states that Hims & Hers used third-party tracking codes embedded on its website to share information with Meta and Snap, including details about which health services users accessed and which medications they purchased. The FTC emphasizes that this practice was deceptive to consumers and contradicted the commitments outlined in the company's privacy policies. The FTC demands that Hims & Hers cease this data sharing and implement stricter measures to protect user data. Additionally, the company is required to establish an independent oversight mechanism for its future data collection and sharing practices. The Commission warns that it may impose additional penalties, including fines, if such violations recur. Hims & Hers has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. However, the company has previously stated that it has taken steps to protect user data in similar cases. This lawsuit reignites concerns about digital privacy in the healthcare sector while reinforcing the FTC's regulatory role in this area. This is not investment advice.