Health Data Company Warns of Potential Privacy Risks of Medical Devices
Remote patient monitoring company Smart Meter warned the public of the privacy and security risks associated with connected medical devices, whose sensitive personal data could be routed to China and other adversarial countries.
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In addition, Smart Meter reminded industry of an April DOJ rule on data transfers to China and other U.S. adversaries (see 2503180058). The rule takes effect July 8 (see 2504140047).
“Healthcare data is among the most sensitive information that can be collected, and our government officials are concerned about where that data is sent,” Smart Meter CEO Casey Pittock said in a press release. "Routing personal health data through China exposes it to foreign surveillance and increases the risk of breaches or misuse.” Health data is particularly sensitive and often targeted for attack.
Some U.S. manufacturers of remote patient monitoring devices rely on Chinese infrastructure, exposing Americans' health data to possible disclosure or transfer without knowledge, Smart Meter added.
The warning comes days after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) announced he will take legal action against Contec, a Chinese manufacturer of patient monitors. The company is allegedly violating the state's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by recording patient data and sending it to Chinese Communist Party-controlled entities, Uthmeier said (see 2506180040).