Schakowsky Statement on FTC’s Enforcement of Health Breach Notification Rule

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee, released the following statement on the Federal Trade Commissions decision to bar a health app from sharing personal health data for advertising:

“The FTC’s action yesterday makes it clear: companies must protect your sensitive health data. This is the second action just this year aimed at health apps for breaking their promises to consumers. Protecting women’s health data is especially urgent given the nationwide women’s health crisis created by the Supreme Court’s dangerous and irresponsible decision to overturn 50 years of precedent established by Roe v. Wade. Health apps like Premom and Flo must protect the privacy of women’s most intimate and personal health information. I applaud Chair Khan and Commissioners Slaughter and Bedoya for the steps they are taking to deliver for the American people. The era of self-regulation is over. These actions show that the Commission is committed to protecting consumers’ privacy.”

###