The company behind a popular fertility app, Premom, has agreed to pay $200,000 in federal and state fines after it was found to have shared users’ personal health information without their consent.
The FTC, along with the attorneys general of Connecticut, the District of Columbia, and Oregon, alleged that Premom shared users’ health information with Google and two Chinese companies, Jiguang and Umeng, without their knowledge or consent. The FTC also alleged that Premom shared location information and device identifiers with these companies, which could be used to identify users and track their movements.
Premom has agreed to stop sharing users’ health information without their consent and to delete any data that it has already shared. The company has also agreed to pay $200,000 in fines.
The settlement is a reminder of the importance of protecting users’ privacy, especially when it comes to sensitive health information. It is also a sign that regulators are taking steps to protect users’ privacy in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Privacy
There are a few things you can do to protect your privacy when using fertility apps or other health-related apps:
- Read the app’s privacy policy carefully before downloading it. This will help you understand what information the app collects and how it will be used.
- Opt out of sharing any personal information that you do not want to share. Many apps allow you to opt out of sharing your location information, for example.
- Be careful about what information you share on social media. If you post about your fertility journey on social media, be aware that this information could be used to identify you and track your movements.
- Use a strong password and two-factor authentication for your fertility app account. This will help protect your account from unauthorized access.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your privacy and keep your health information safe.
