Every day, users rely on digital health devices like blood pressure cuffs that sync readings to smartphone apps. However, depending on the app and user settings, sensitive health data—including blood pressure, glucose levels, weight, and medication schedules—may be stored in the cloud or shared with third-party service providers.

Recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cases have revealed that some health apps disclosed this sensitive information to advertising and analytics companies without users' knowledge. Notably, BetterHelp agreed to pay $7.8 million following FTC allegations that it shared email addresses, IP addresses, and answers to personal health questions with companies such as Facebook, Snapchat, Pinterest, and Criteo for advertising purposes.

Data brokers also market health-related profiles that could be exploited by scammers. For example, lists have included over 435,000 postal addresses linked to Alzheimer's disease, more than 2.3 million associated with blindness or visual impairment, 133,000 related to addiction, and 857,000 connected to bladder-control issues.

The FTC is pushing for clearer, plain-language warnings before technologies generate wellness data that are not protected under HIPAA. Users are encouraged to review app settings to limit data exposure.

Kurt Knutsson, an award-winning tech journalist contributing to Fox News and FOX Business, highlights these concerns and offers resources such as the "Sick of Spam?" CyberGuy Live class replay and checklist to help users protect their information.

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