The rise of the apps: FTC and DOJ crack down on provider selling data

Abstract

The recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) action against Monument Inc. for selling patient data, is just the tip of the iceberg. Monument Inc. positions itself as a treatment provider (the website home page says it provides “therapy” for alcoholism) but in its extensive terms of use, it says it is not a treatment provider. And in fact, since the FTC/DOJ action this spring, Monument radically changed its website, removing the offending promise of “confidentiality” which it breached, but still selling services (lowest price $15/month).