Register

I agree with the Privacy Policy

In The News

Survey: Consumers Prefer Keeping Wearable Device Data from Insurers

August 17, 2015

remote health monitoring

connected health devices

fitness tracker

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

Research: 56m US households are cord-cutters

Parks Associates’ latest research from its Video Services Consumer Insights Dashboard reports that 56 million (46 per cent) of US internet households are cord cutters, which highlights the dominance o...

A Pinch of Salt Boosts Aluminum Batteries

A better battery could have a major impact on many markets. “Innovations that elongate battery life and bring down costs have the potential to transform multiple industries, from automotive to consume...

Parks: Nearly Half of U.S. Broadband Homes Have Cut Pay-TV Cord

Parks Associates’ latest data finds that 56 million (46%) of U.S. internet households have severed ties with their premium television provider, underscoring the dominance of streaming video services....

4 Emerging Trends in Home Video Streaming

The home video market is constantly shifting as evolving streaming models and digital entertainment options continue to shape human behavior. Looking deeper at the emerging trends heading into 2025, P...

‹
1
2
...
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
...
748
749
›