NHS is facing a serious allegation. A new investigation claims that the National Health Service is sensitive details of patients to Facebook without their consent.
An illustration picture shows a smartphone screen displaying a Covid-19 vaccine record on the National Health Service (NHS) app in London on May 18, 2021.
The information allegedly shared includes treatments, medical conditions, as well as medical appointments. If the accusations are true, then this privacy issue is a major problem since it discloses very sensitive medical information to people.
The investigation was conducted by The Guardian's Observer. If you are a regular user of NHS websites, then here are the details you need to know.
NHS Allegedly Shares Patient Information With Facebook Without Consent!
According to The Daily Mail UK, NHS is allegedly sharing patient data with Facebook via a covert tracking tool called "Meta Pixel."
A National Health Service (NHS) sign is shown on February 19, 2003, in London, England. A report scheduled to be released tomorrow is expected to have complaints about the funding criteria for long-term care for the elderly and disabled in the United Kingdom.
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The Observer investigation claimed that 20 NHS trust webpages are using the Meta Pixel tool to collect browsing details. After that, the tool will share the acquired sensitive information with Facebook's parent company, Meta.
Of course, Meta said that this tool is being used for business purposes, such as enhancing targeted advertising services. However, if the acquired medical details are linked to users, they could reveal personal medical information.
Why NHS Alleged Data Sharing is Concerning
Numerous NHS trusts already confirmed that they are incorporating the tracking tool. They said that the main purpose of using this kind of tech is to monitor recruitment or charity campaigns. But, they clarified that they are not aware that the medical information of their visitors is being shared with Facebook.
This is concerning since patients visiting these NHS websites are usually researching gender identity services, sexual health, cancer, HIV, self-harm, and other sensitive health topics.
Remember, protecting the identity of people with HIV, suicidal thoughts, and other similar health conditions is very important.
Because of the newly discovered use of the Meta Pixel tool in NHS websites, the health agency quickly took action to solve the issue. "Immediate action has been taken to remove it," said an NHS spokesperson.
If you want to learn more about the latest privacy issue of NHS, you can click here.
In other news, a report revealed that Russia has been tightening its surveillance and censorship ever since 2014. Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts warned that advertisers monitor every move of people.
For more news updates about cybersecurity, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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