Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Google Takes Steps Into Health Market With Fitbit; Both Companies Say Data Won't Be Used For Ads
The Wall Street Journal: Google Counts On Fitbit To Make Imprint In Health Market
Behind Google’s $2.1 billion deal for wearables maker Fitbit Inc. FIT -0.42% is the search giant’s dream to become a major player in health data after a failed attempt to establish a foothold in it years ago. Big technology companies have long been tantalized by the promise of devices like smartwatches and wireless earbuds to collect a wealth of real-time user data on heart rates, body temperature and the like. Makers of these wearable products sometimes share that data, though they aren’t particularly transparent with whom. Fitbit’s privacy policy says it works with unnamed “partners who provide us with analytics and advertising services” as well as third-party apps. (Needleman and Copeland, 11/6)
Bloomberg: DNA-Testing Company Veritas Customer Data Breached
The DNA-testing firm Veritas Genetics experienced a security breach that included customer information, the startup said. Veritas, which sells whole-genome sequencing for $599, said it became aware that a customer-facing portal had been “recently” accessed by an unauthorized user. The company said that the portal didn’t contain genetic data, DNA-test results or health records. (Brown, 11/6)
