Penalty Amount
$75,000
The FTC finalized an order against 1Health.io for failing to secure genetic data and unfairly changing its privacy policy. The company must pay $75,000 for consumer refunds, destroy DNA samples, and implement security measures. It deceived consumers about data deletion and shared data without proper consent.
1Health.io must pay $75,000 for consumer refunds, instruct third-party laboratories to destroy all consumer DNA samples retained for more than 180 days, prohibit sharing health data without affirmative express consent, notify the FTC about unauthorized disclosures, and implement a comprehensive information security program.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor and customer agreements, particularly those involving the processing of genetic, health, or biometric data. Focus on clauses governing data security standards (e.g., encryption requirements), privacy policy change mechanisms (including notice and consent provisions), data deletion and destruction obligations, and limitations on data sharing. Given the findings of deceptive practices and inadequate security, contracts must be amended to include explicit, opt-in consent for any retroactive privacy policy changes, mandate specific technical safeguards for sensitive genetic data (like encryption at rest and in transit), and enforce strict, time-bound protocols for the complete destruction of DNA samples and associated data upon request or after analysis. Additionally, ensure data processing addendums for genetic data incorporate these heightened standards and provide clear audit rights.
Entity
1Health.io
Also known as: 1Health
Industry
HealthcareOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/09/ftc-finalizes-order-1healthio-over-charges-it-failed-protect-privacy-security-dna-data-unfairly
1Health Complaint
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/1Health-Complaint.pdf
1Health DecisionandOrder
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/1Health-DecisionandOrder.pdf
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
"1Health.io"
"must pay $75,000"
"charges that the genetic testing firm left sensitive genetic and health data unsecured, deceived consumers about their ability to get their data deleted, and changed its privacy policy retroactively without adequately notifying consumers and obtaining their consent."
$50K
The FTC settled with genetic testing company 1Health.io for failing to secure sensitive genetic and health data, deceiving consumers about data deletion, and unfairly changing its privacy policy without notice or consent. The settlement includes refunds totaling over $49,500 to 2,432 affected consumers.
The FTC filed a complaint alleging that GovAssist LLC, Entry LLC, and Scott Zuckerman used deceptive paid search ads, misleading service and pricing claims, and fake reviews to deceive consumers seeking passport services. The complaint alleges violations of the FTC Act, the Impersonation Rule, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; the case will be decided by the court, and no penalty or remedy is reported as imposed.
The FTC issued its annual report to Congress describing fraud trends affecting older adults and the agency’s enforcement, education, and outreach efforts. The report is not a specific privacy enforcement action and announces no penalty or remedy.
The FTC referred a complaint against REPS & Company Inc. and company executives, alleging they bypassed ticket-issuer security controls and purchasing limits to acquire millions of tickets for resale. The complaint was filed by the Department of Justice, and the case will be decided by the court; the press release does not report a penalty or other remedy imposed.
$106.8M
A federal court entered a $106.8 million default judgment against corporate defendants in an alleged debt-relief scheme that impersonated banks and government entities and targeted seniors and veterans. The judgment permanently bans the defendants from the debt-relief industry and imposes additional prohibitions, including on impersonation, telemarketing, and misrepresentations.
The FTC sued Digital Forensics Corporation LLC and affiliated defendants, alleging they misled sextortion victims with promises of investigative and monitoring services that often were not provided, and used fake positive reviews. A federal court granted the FTC’s request to temporarily halt the defendants’ activities; the complaint remains for the court to decide.