A privacy watchdog reports that some health websites track people’s searches without their consent and pass that information to major social media platforms, which then serve targeted advertisements. The findings focus on users researching sensitive health topics such as egg freezing and prostate conditions. According to the reports, the tracking occurs while individuals browse health-related pages, after which their search activity is used to generate ad targeting by the social media companies. The Australian Privacy Commissioner says the conduct by the health sites is unlawful, indicating the behaviour breaches privacy obligations related to consent and handling of personal information. The watchdog’s actions highlight concerns about how health information—particularly when it reveals or suggests an individual’s medical interests—can be collected and used for advertising. The outlets broadly describe the same core issue: health websites share or enable sharing of search data with ad and tracking ecosystems without adequate consent from the people whose information is collected. The commissioner’s position is presented as central to the case, with the watchdog calling for compliance with privacy requirements.
Privacy watchdog finds health sites tracked patient searches and shared data with ad platforms
A privacy watchdog reports that some health websites track people’s searches without their consent and pass that information to major social media platforms, which then serve targeted advertisements....
- Privacy watchdog says some health websites track users’ searches without consent.
- The tracking relates to sensitive health topics, including egg freezing and prostate conditions.
- Watchdog reports search data is provided to major social media platforms.
- Social media platforms use the information to deliver targeted ads to users.
- The Australian Privacy Commissioner says the conduct is unlawful.
People researching egg freezing and prostate conditions on health websites had their searches fed to social media giants, which then chased them with ads. The privacy commissioner has called the health sites’ conduct unlawful.
20 hours agoPeople researching egg freezing and prostate conditions on health websites had their searches fed to social media giants, which then chased them with ads. The privacy commissioner has called the health sites’ conduct unlawful.
20 hours agoPeople researching egg freezing and prostate conditions on health websites had their searches fed to social media giants, which then chased them with ads. The privacy commissioner has called the health sites’ conduct unlawful.
20 hours ago
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