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Need to Buy Plan B or an HIV Test? Facebook Already Knows About It
- An investigation by The Markup and KFF Health News found trackers on popular pharmacy websites in the U.S., sharing browsing and purchase-related data with companies like Meta (Facebook), Google, and Microsoft.
- The trackers, known as 'pixels,' collect and transmit sensitive information such as IP addresses, cookies, and details of items viewed or purchased, including products like HIV tests.
- Retailers like Kroger and Walmart shared detailed data with tech platforms when customers clicked 'add to cart,' including sensitive items like Plan B emergency contraception and HIV tests.
- Some retailers have taken steps to limit tracking on sensitive items, while others continue to share information about reproductive health and HIV testing.
- Pharmacies selling over-the-counter medications are not fully protected by HIPAA regulations, leading to data privacy concerns regarding the sharing of sensitive clinical data with third parties.
- Regulatory attention has increased on the use of tracking pixels on healthcare websites, with the Department of Health and Human Services providing guidance on HIPAA compliance.
- Companies like Google and Meta have faced scrutiny for handling sensitive health data from third parties, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse of information.
- Pharmacies and health care providers have been involved in legal actions related to the sharing of sensitive clinical data with third parties and potential violations of privacy regulations.
- Concerns persist about the protection of health data online, as companies struggle to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and prevent unauthorized sharing of sensitive information.
- The investigation uncovered instances of pharmacies sharing sensitive health data with social media platforms, sparking discussions about data privacy and the need for tighter regulations in the healthcare sector.
- Companies like Google and Meta have faced challenges in safeguarding sensitive health information and preventing unauthorized data sharing, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of privacy policies.
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