New digital health research gauges consumer attitudes towards online health data
New Parks Associates research shows 23% of U.S. broadband households have privacy and security concerns related to usage of connected health devices and the same percentage have a similar level of concern about fitness tracking devices. Both device categories scored low compared to other devices, including smart door locks (40%) and tablets (42%), but the smartphone, which many consumers use with wellness and fitness apps, is among the highest with 41% concerned about security or privacy violations.
“The connected health industries, device manufacturers, and app developers not only need to ensure they have strong security measures in place but also that consumers are aware of the steps they are taking to protect their data,” said Harry Wang, Director, Health and Mobile Product, Parks Associates. “Already 35% of consumers worry their personal health information will not remain confidential if online, and with high-profile data hacks making big headlines, consumers are expecting companies to take strong security measures to protect them.”
Device and online security is a key topic this week at the Black Hat event in Las Vegas. Parks Associates will examine the impact of consumer privacy concerns relative to the connected health market at its Connected Health Summit: Engaging Consumers, September 9-10, in San Diego. The firm’s research Digitally Fit: Products and Services for Connected Consumers also shows some consumer concern regarding corporate use of their health data.
“A clear consumer bill of rights could establish limits and extend consumer control over the collection and use of health data,” Wang said. “Concerns about data security have the potential to be a significant inhibitor to adoption, and the industry needs to inform and empower consumers on the security and usage of their data to drive long-term adoption and usage.”
The second-annual Connected Health Summit: Engaging Consumers features keynotes from AT&T, Humana, and Kaiser Permanente and sessions featuring executives from companies such as Validic, Eliza Corporation, ADT, and CVS Health. For more information, visit www.connectedhealthsummit.com.
Digitally Fit: Products and Services for Connected Consumersis available for purchase. More information is available at www.parksassociates.com. To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific research data, please contact Holly Sprague at hsprague@gmail.com.
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