Article
When Health Tech Companies Change Their Terms of Service
Consumers may have limited control over their data
Science,
2020
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.
Summary
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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