Talk therapy apps under fire over data privacy concerns

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Talk therapy data privacy letters overview: 

• Who: Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) wrote letters to the executive of talk therapy apps BetterHelp and Talkspace. 
• Why: The senators are demanding answers on the steps BetterHelp and Talkspace are taking to protect their patients’ data privacy. 
• Where: Talk therapy apps are used by consumers seeking mental health help nationwide. 

A group of three US senators wrote letters last week to executives of talk therapy apps BetterHelp and Talkspace asking for details on how they are protecting the data privacy of their patients. 

Talk therapy apps rose in popularity during the pandemic, when it was more practical and/or available for individuals dealing with mental health struggles to seek help virtually rather than by going into a physical office. 

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) demanded answers last week, however, on how the mental health companies collect and use their patients’ data; namely how it is shared with third parties. 

Warren, Booker, and Wyden in particular wrote that they wanted to get to the bottom of the relationship between BetterHelp and Talkspace with data brokers, online advertisers, and social media companies such as Facebook. 

The senators also inquired about how and if the companies relationships with third parties are disclosed to their patients.

Senators argue ‘Big Tech’ shows ‘Little interest’ in protecting privacy

“Multiple studies highlighting data sharing between mental health apps and Big Tech giants like Google and Facebook reveal that patients and regulators alike may not understand the full extent of your company’s relationship with these businesses,” the senators wrote. 

Warren, Booker, and Wyden wrote that they had reviewed the privacy policies of the two companies and found it was possible they allowed big tech firms and data brokers to “access and use highly confidential personal and medical information.” 

Further, the senators argued that the “Big Tech” firms and data brokers allegedly being given access to the private data of patients have “shown remarkably little interest in protecting vulnerable consumers and users.” 

A class action lawsuit was filed against virtual healthcare provider PlushCare last May over claims the company deceptively enrolled patients into subscription plans without their knowledge or consent. 

Have you sought help for a medical issue using virtual care since the start of the pandemic? Let us know in the comments! 

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