The Trump administration has unveiled a new program enabling Americans to share personal health data across health systems and private tech company apps, with over 60 companies, including Google, Amazon, and Apple, participating. This initiative aims to improve access to health records and monitor wellness, focusing on areas like diabetes and weight management using digital tools. However, this move raises concerns about the security and privacy of sensitive patient data, despite assurances from officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Digital privacy advocates express skepticism about data security, while the government’s involvement, along with limited regulation of health apps, fuels further worry about the potential for misuse of personal health information.
Read More
Palantir’s involvement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collecting disease data is raising serious privacy concerns. The sheer scale of data aggregation raises the specter of a vast, centralized database containing sensitive health information, potentially leaving individuals vulnerable to misuse. This potential for abuse is amplified by Palantir’s reputation and the nature of its technology.
The company’s software, Foundry, is designed for complex data analysis, but its proprietary nature creates concerns about transparency and potential vendor lock-in. This dependence on Palantir’s system could limit the CDC’s ability to switch providers and potentially hinder independent audits of the data’s handling.… Continue reading
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a groundbreaking executive order prohibiting state agencies from sharing residents’ autism-related personal health data with the federal government, a move directly opposing a plan by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This action, unprecedented nationwide, prioritizes the privacy and dignity of individuals with autism, shielding them from potential discrimination and misuse of their information. While Kennedy claims adherence to privacy laws, concerns remain regarding the potential for future data breaches and the inappropriate use of such sensitive information for identifying the causes of autism. The executive order covers state agencies, contractors, and vendors, ensuring comprehensive protection of personal data.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood