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Google collecting health data of millions

Google has been hit by a massive backlash after it was revealed that the tech giant had been collecting health data of millions of Americans without their
Google is wanting more information about the health of Americans. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied

Google is wanting more information about the health of Americans. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied

Alphabet’s Google is teaming up with a healthcare company on a secret project to collect personal health-related information of millions of Americans across 21 states.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Google launched “Project Nightingale” last year with St. Louis-based Ascension, according to the report, citing people familiar with the matter and internal documents.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Picture: AFP
Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

 

Dr Robert Epstein, a medical researcher and former editor-in-chief at Psychology Today, tweeted: “You can’t make this s*** up. #BeAfraid.”
 

 

Google said the partnership was aimed at “improving patient outcomes and saving lives” and is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) which controls the privacy of health data.

Ascension said the partnership is designed to “optimise the health and wellness of individuals and communities”.

Dr Robert Epstein has blasted Google for collecting health info of millions of Americans. Picture: Supplied
Dr Robert Epstein has blasted Google for collecting health info of millions of Americans. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied

 

The data involved in Project Nightingale includes lab results, doctor diagnoses and hospitalisation records, among other categories, and amounts to a complete health history, complete with patient names and dates of birth, the Journal reported.
 

Fitbit smartwatches are displayed at a Best Buy store. Picture: Getty
Fitbit smartwatches are displayed at a Best Buy store. Picture: GettySource:AFP

 

 

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Patients were not informed that the data collection was happening and were not given a chance to opt-out.

The news follows an earlier announcement from Google that it would buy Fitbit for $2.1 billion, aiming to enter wearables segment and invest in digital health.


Source: News Corp Australia Network:

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