The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly seeking assurance from Apple about protecting sensitive health data collected by its HealthKit platform and upcoming smartwatch, according to two sources from Reuters. Apple has met with FTC on multiple occasions to ensure that it will not sell its users’ health data to third party developers. Apple’s HealthKit platform was designed with built-in health data protections.
“We designed HealthKit with privacy in mind,” said Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller. Currently there are no plans for the FTC to launch a formal investigation; however, the inquiry does show the agency’s increasing interest ensuring the consumer protection of sensitive health data from health and fitness wearables and devices.
The company is considering hiring an in-house health privacy executive to address these concerns.
