Apple Doubles Privacy of Health Data with New Ads

Apple Doubles Privacy of Health Data with New Ads

Apple wants to remind you that it takes the privacy of your health data seriously, and a new ad campaign launched on May 24 reminds users of the protections offered by the Apple Health app while is becoming increasingly important.

The campaign's ads take a comical approach to highlight the sensitive nature of health data privacy. A narrator, voiced by the iconic Jane Lynch, invades a waiting room full of people and reveals all their health secrets. From heart rate trends and morning workouts to step counts and hand-washing histories, each person's health information is revealed.

All the while, the narrator enjoys the embarrassment that ensues. But when one person pulls out their iPhone to use Apple Health, a devilish voice begs them to stop. They don't, and the narration ends, concluding the skit with the message that health data should not be made public.

Watch the full video below:

The data you can manage with Apple Health ranges from heart, fitness, sleep, medications, menstrual cycles, hearing, and more.

If you are an iPhone user, it is important to know that all of your health data is stored on the device and is encrypted; you can only access your Apple Health information when you are signed in to your Apple ID and your device is unlocked. only when you are signed in with your Apple ID and your device is unlocked. This ensures that no one, not even Apple, can access your sensitive health data.

Unless, of course, you have Health Sharing set up. Health sharing is a feature that was rolled out about two years ago that allows users to see the health data of another user to whom they are assigned. With something like health sharing, for example, an adult child can check on the health of an elderly parent. Sharing also works with doctors if the user may need further monitoring, or if a doctor wants to view a heart rate history chart remotely from an Apple Watch.

Nevertheless, data can only be shared with explicit permission, and permission can be changed or revoked at any time.

The same goes for third-party apps that sync with Apple Health data. Many of the best workout apps, many of the best running apps, and even third-party fitness trackers like Oura Ring are compatible with Apple Health. In order for third-party apps to pair with Apple Health, you must give explicit permission, and that permission can be disabled in the settings at any time.

None of this is new information, but it is a good reminder for users who choose to use Apple Health. With so many misconceptions surrounding health data privacy and tech companies, this is not a bad time for users to better understand that they have control over their information.

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