Penalty Amount
$75,000
The FTC finalized an order against 1Health.io for failing to secure genetic data and unfairly changing its privacy policy. The company must pay $75,000 for consumer refunds, destroy DNA samples, and implement security measures. It deceived consumers about data deletion and shared data without proper consent.
1Health.io must pay $75,000 for consumer refunds, instruct third-party laboratories to destroy all consumer DNA samples retained for more than 180 days, prohibit sharing health data without affirmative express consent, notify the FTC about unauthorized disclosures, and implement a comprehensive information security program.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor and customer agreements, particularly those involving the processing of genetic, health, or biometric data. Focus on clauses governing data security standards (e.g., encryption requirements), privacy policy change mechanisms (including notice and consent provisions), data deletion and destruction obligations, and limitations on data sharing. Given the findings of deceptive practices and inadequate security, contracts must be amended to include explicit, opt-in consent for any retroactive privacy policy changes, mandate specific technical safeguards for sensitive genetic data (like encryption at rest and in transit), and enforce strict, time-bound protocols for the complete destruction of DNA samples and associated data upon request or after analysis. Additionally, ensure data processing addendums for genetic data incorporate these heightened standards and provide clear audit rights.
Entity
1Health.io
Also known as: 1Health
Industry
HealthcareOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/09/ftc-finalizes-order-1healthio-over-charges-it-failed-protect-privacy-security-dna-data-unfairly
1Health Complaint
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/1Health-Complaint.pdf
1Health DecisionandOrder
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/1Health-DecisionandOrder.pdf
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
"1Health.io"
"must pay $75,000"
"charges that the genetic testing firm left sensitive genetic and health data unsecured, deceived consumers about their ability to get their data deleted, and changed its privacy policy retroactively without adequately notifying consumers and obtaining their consent."
$50K
The FTC settled with genetic testing company 1Health.io for failing to secure sensitive genetic and health data, deceiving consumers about data deletion, and unfairly changing its privacy policy without notice or consent. The settlement includes refunds totaling over $49,500 to 2,432 affected consumers.
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$1.9M
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