Consumer advice center warns of data protection gaps in video consultations - financial expert clarifies

Consumer advice center warns of data protection gaps in video consultations - financial expert clarifies

The consumer advice center warns about the risks of online doctor's appointments, especially the data protection gaps in video consultations. Online doctor appointments via video consultation are a practical addition to the healthcare sector, as they improve access to medical care and can reduce the risk of infection. However, studies by the consumer advice center indicate that many telemedicine and doctor's appointment portals do not meet the applicable consumer protection standards.

One problem is that seven out of nine providers examined process sensitive patient data without the patient's consent. In addition, when using the doctor's appointment portals, not only are the reason for the visit and the doctor's specialty transmitted, but tracking services are also used that can be used for marketing and advertising purposes.

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has therefore initiated legal action against two platform providers. In order to ensure data protection during video consultations, the vzbv calls for several measures. The legislature should better protect consumers from tracking and profiling in the health context; providers of video consultations should obtain express consent to the processing of health data and avoid using unnecessary third-party providers for tracking and profiling. In addition, providers of video consultations should offer guest access to the video consultation and define a deletion concept if the account is not being used.

The impact of these privacy gaps in online medical appointments can be significant for both the market and the consumer. If consumer confidence in the data security of video consultations is weakened, many potential users could be deterred and return to traditional in-person doctor appointments. This could lead to a decline in demand for online doctor appointments and negatively impact the market for telemedicine and doctor appointment portals.

Source: According to a report from www.hna.de, as of March 15, 2023, 11:20 a.m.