Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

Survey: Consumers Prefer Keeping Wearable Device Data from Insurers

According to research firm Parks Associates, the majority of those surveyed indicated that they are not willing to share data collected from wearable devices, even if it meant receiving a discount on their health insurance premiums. In spite of this reluctance, these same consumers were willing to share data for the purpose of troubleshooting the devices themselves.

The results of the survey varied significantly by device. Forty-two percent of digital pedometer owners were willing to share data in order to receive a health insurance discount; for smartwatch owners the total was 35 percent; and for sleep-quality monitor owners it was 26 percent. Nevertheless, a solid majority of device owners was not willing to share data.

Consumers are justified in their concerns about health data privacy. The Los Angeles Times told in July of a security breach in October 2014 where hackers compromised UCLA Health Systems’ computer network, putting 4.5 million patients’ sensitive data at risk. What was troubling about the incident was that it took nearly seven months from the time suspicious activity was discovered in October, to May 5, which is when investigators determined the system was hacked. Additionally troubling was that the data was not even encrypted.

From the article "Survey: Consumers Prefer Keeping Wearable Device Data from Insurers" by Christopher Mohr.

Previously In The News

See Rovi at CONNECTIONS

At Rovi, we believe entertainment discovery should be simple, seamless and personal. We help consumers find content quickly by allowing them to browse, search and even speak to devices, generating rec...

Is This The End Of The Gaming Console High?

Sony may be back in profit thanks to strong demand for its latest-generation PlayStation and its assorted games. However, the days of the dedicated games console look to be numbered. The majority o...

68 Percent Smartphone Users Stream Music Daily: Study

A US-based market researcher in its study said that 68 percent of smartphone owners in the country listen to music via streaming outlets on a daily basis. Parks Associates has released new data that r...

Caregiver Apps: Four Ways to Boost Adoption Rates

Caring for sick or aging loved ones is a big job. Keeping up with medication schedules, communicating with healthcare providers, learning about disease management, helping with day-to-day tasks — it c...