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When Health Tech Companies Change Their Terms of Service
Article

When Health Tech Companies Change Their Terms of Service

Consumers may have limited control over their data

Jessica L. Roberts and Jim Hawkins
Science, 2020
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Scientific
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Digital health-related websites and apps compile highly sensitive data about genetics, doctor visits and a person’s mental state. But by law, especially in the United States, companies can unilaterally change the way they collect and use such data with little or no notice. People currently have little recourse if a company violates their privacy in this way, but new legislation could be passed to amend how Terms of Service are handled. For now, consumers must carefully read those tedious ToS, and stay abreast of changes.

Take-Aways

  • Many health-related websites and apps collect large amounts of intimate data, but are not considered health care providers.
  • Terms of Service (ToS) vary greatly from company to company, and users may be unaware of changes to them over time.
  • Ending a digital health services contract can be costly and result in personal data loss.

About the Authors

Jessica L. Roberts, J.D., is a professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine, and director of its Health Law and Policy Institute. Jim W. Hawkins, MBA, PhD, is director of the Master’s in Biotechnology program at Georgetown University.

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