The HHS Office for Civil Rights and the Federal Trade Commission have issued a warning to hospital systems and telehealth providers regarding the privacy and security risks associated with online tracking technologies. These technologies, which are integrated into websites and mobile apps, may inadvertently disclose consumers' sensitive personal health data to third parties. Tracking technologies collect and analyze information about user interactions with websites and apps, and information is sent directly to the third parties who developed the technologies.

Even after users navigate away from the original website, these technologies can continue to track and gather information about them on other websites. This advisory serves as a cautionary reminder for healthcare organizations to prioritize the protection of patient privacy and security