GoodRx FTC Privacy Fine Is ‘Warning Shot’ for Health Tech Firms

The Federal Trade Commission’s $1.5 million fine against GoodRx Holdings Inc. signals a broader reckoning for a growing array of health tech services and devices that collect and use information about their users to monetize free products.

Companies that collect potentially sensitive health data through products such as sleep monitors, fertility trackers, or diabetes devices should take a close look at how information flows through to advertisers or marketers, lawyers and former FTC officials said. Makers of wearable devices like fitness trackers also should review their privacy policies and examine whether their data practices line up with what they’re telling ...