FTC seeks assurances from Apple on health data privacy

According to a report on Thursday, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is asking Apple about its handling of sensitive health data gathered and stored by the company's new iOS 8 HealthKit framework, especially as it applies to possible dissemination to third parties like advertisers.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reports the FTC is looking to ensure health data processed by HealthKit and the forthcoming Apple Watch will remain under user control, a major concern given the nature of the data being collected.

Apple has been working with various governmental oversight bodies around the world, including the FTC, to explain these very protections, spokesman Trudy Muller said. She further added that Apple "designed HealthKit with privacy in mind."

While there is no indication that the FTC will launch a formal investigation into the matter, Apple is said to be preparing for the possibility. Sources claim the company has enlisted the aid of health data protection lawyer Marcy Wilder and is mulling the idea of appointing a designated "health privacy czar" to deal with future concerns.

In August, Apple outlined restrictions imposed on developers tapping into the HealthKit API. Under the license, developers may "not sell an end-user's health information collected through the HealthKit API to advertising platforms, data brokers or information resellers," and are restricted from using gathered data "for any purpose other than providing health and/or fitness services."

Apple also discussed "mobile medical applications" with the Food and Drug Administration in a series of private meetings dating back to 2013. The FDA said Apple plans to work closely with the agency on future product development to avoid surprise regulatory slowdowns.