Huckvale2019 - Assessment of the Data Sharing and Privacy Practices of Smartphone Apps for Depression and Smoking Cessation


Example citation

Out of 36 top-ranked apps for depression and smoking cessation, 33 (92%) shared data with third parties but most apps did not adequately disclose this [@huckvale2019].

Key takeaways

  • 29 out of 36 top-ranked apps transmitted data to Facebook or Google, but only 12 accurately disclosed this in a privacy policy
  • Clinicians should assume that data is being transmitted to third parties
  • Advertising and marketing purposes (81%)

Mental health apps often share data with third parties without properly disclosing it