In today’s digital age, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy platforms have revolutionized mental health care delivery. With just a few clicks, individuals can access counseling services from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the barriers of time and distance. However, amid the convenience lies a concerning privacy issue: the tracking of users’ online activities and the potential exposure of sensitive information to third-party entities.
Recent revelations have shed light on the inclusion of tracking codes within some online therapy platforms, including prominent providers like Calmerry, Online-Therapy.com, and Hims. These codes, embedded within the platforms’ infrastructure, are designed to monitor users’ online behavior, including their interactions with the platform itself and their browsing activities beyond its confines. Shockingly, this surveillance extends to the very heart of online therapy: the Electronic Health Records (EHRs) where users disclose their deepest thoughts, emotions, and personal struggles to their therapists.
I brought this to the attention of one online therapy company, Calmerry. The response I got was “Calmerry has the Business Associate Agreements in place with its Vendors.” This refers to a confidentiality agreement to protect patient information. However it is known that Facebook does not engage in BAA’s and the information provided was false. After letting them know that, the proceeded to threaten me saying “Please note that the communication below is designated for your personal use, not for a public disclosure, publication or comment without the proper consent. Furthermore, unauthorised use, disclosure or copying is strictly prohibited, as you can see it from the disclaimer below. Publishing this correspondence would be treated as a breach.” Threatening legal action for making the information public. When looking at websites, you can use the Google Chrome extension Ghostery to see what trackers are on each website.
Major tech giants such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, and advertising companies like Taboola and DoubleClick are among the entities alleged to have access to this sensitive information. Moreover, social media platforms including Snapchat, Twitter, and Reddit have also been implicated in tracking users’ online activities, further exacerbating privacy concerns.
The mechanics behind this tracking are intricate yet pervasive. Online therapy platforms often integrate tracking codes, commonly known as cookies or pixels, into their websites and applications. These codes collect data on users’ activities, ranging from the pages they visit to the duration of their sessions. While some tracking is ostensibly for improving user experience or troubleshooting technical issues, the extent to which it encroaches upon users’ privacy is alarming.
The integration of third-party tools and services exacerbates the privacy implications. Many online therapy platforms utilize analytics services, advertising networks, and social media plugins to enhance functionality and reach. However, these integrations come at a cost, as they grant third-party entities access to users’ data, including their interactions with the EHRs.
The potential consequences of this tracking and exposure are multifaceted and far-reaching. Foremost among these is the breach of user confidentiality. Online therapy hinges on the establishment of trust and confidentiality between therapist and client, fostering a safe space for individuals to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. The mere prospect of this intimate information falling into the hands of external parties undermines this fundamental tenet of therapy.
The implications extend beyond the realm of mental health care. Sensitive information disclosed during therapy sessions could be leveraged for targeted advertising or even more nefarious purposes, such as manipulation or exploitation. The erosion of privacy in one’s most vulnerable moments not only undermines individual autonomy but also perpetuates a culture of surveillance and distrust.
In response to these revelations, ethical and legal questions abound. Mental health professionals are bound by strict ethical guidelines, including maintaining client confidentiality and protecting their privacy. The integration of tracking codes within online therapy platforms challenges these principles, raising concerns about professional integrity and accountability.
From a legal standpoint, the landscape is equally complex. Regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States mandate stringent protections for healthcare data, including EHRs. However, the application of such regulations to online therapy platforms, particularly concerning third-party tracking, remains ambiguous.
Addressing the privacy predicament in online therapy requires a multi-faceted approach. Mental health professionals, advocacy organizations, and policymakers must collaborate to safeguard user privacy and uphold ethical standards. Transparency regarding data collection practices, robust encryption measures, and heightened scrutiny of third-party integrations are essential steps toward fostering trust and accountability within the online therapy landscape.
Additionally, raising awareness among both therapists and clients is crucial. Educating users about the risks associated with online tracking empowers them to make informed decisions about their mental health care options. Furthermore, advocating for regulatory reforms and industry standards that prioritize user privacy can help mitigate the pervasive influence of third-party entities in online therapy platforms.
The revelation of tracking codes within online therapy platforms underscores the urgent need to reevaluate privacy safeguards in digital mental health care. As technology continues to reshape the therapeutic landscape, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in protecting the sanctity of the therapeutic relationship and the privacy of those seeking support and healing. Only through concerted advocacy, awareness, and ethical leadership can we ensure that online therapy remains a safe and trusted resource for individuals in need.