FTC wants assurances from Apple that HealthKit data will remain safe
According to a new report from Reuters, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission wants Apple to make sure that any private data collected by the HealthKit platform remains safe.
A number of devices, including the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and upcoming Apple Watch can collect and store health data about users. The FTC wants to be assured that the information would not be shared with third parties without consent.
The commission seems to be looking closely at the Apple Watch, which will also be able to track a user’s heart rate. Here’s more from the report:
There are no indications that the FTC intends to launch a formal investigation or inquiry into the matter, but the dialogue underscores the agency’s interest in how the increasing wealth of consumer-generated health and fitness data will be safeguarded.
All data from HealthKit can be accessed by the Health app, which arrived in iOS 8.
Back in August, Apple updated its privacy rules for health-related apps. The rules state that developers can’t give any information to advertising platforms, data brokers, or information resellers. It may be shared for medical research purposes with the user’s consent.
When a device is locked with a passcode or Touch ID, all health data is encrypted. Health information stored in iCloud is also encrypted.
For other recent news today, see: AT&T is now offering a $50 billing credit on iPhone purchases made through Apple, Rdio’s family packages now cost 50 percent less, and Apple’s partner chipmakers reportedly ‘gearing up’ production for Apple Watch.
