US government fines health app for sharing data with Facebook and Google – Times of India

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has imposed a 1.5 million fine on US-based healthcare company GoodRx Holdings for sharing users’ personal health data with Facebook, Google and other third parties without their consent, media reports said. The company operates a telemedicine platform and has a free-to-use website as well as mobile app that track prescription drug prices and provide coupons so that users can purchase medicines at a discounted price.
As per FTC, the company violated a federal rule that requires health apps that collect users’ personal health details to notify consumers about data breaches. It is alleged that the data shared by companies include prescription medications and illnesses.

Here’s what GoodRx has to say
GoodRx has agreed to settle the case saying it does not agree with the FTC’s allegations and it did not admit any wrongdoing.
“At GoodRx, protecting our users’ privacy is one of our most important priorities. We are thoughtful and disciplined about what information we gather and how and why we use it. The settlement with the FTC focuses on an old issue that was proactively addressed almost three years ago, before the FTC inquiry began,” the company said in a blog post.

“We do not agree with the FTC’s allegations and we admit no wrongdoing. Entering into the settlement allows us to avoid the time and expense of protracted litigation. We believe that the requirements detailed in the settlement will have no material impact on our business or on our current or future operations,” it added.
The development comes three years after Consumer Reports claimed that GoodRx was sharing people’s personal health information with more than 20 companies. The company also highlights that almost three years ago, it proactively made updates consistent with its commitment to being at the forefront of safeguarding users’ privacy.