Health-App Privacy Checklist

Before you share health data, know who you are sharing it with.

• Can you tell who makes the app and where they are based?Do not skip this oneA named company with real contact details and a country of registration is a basic sign of accountability. Anonymous apps are a red flag.
• Were qualified health professionals involved, and is there evidence?For anything touching diagnosis or treatment, look for named clinicians, references or regulatory clearance, not just marketing claims.
• How does the app make money?A free app still has a business model. Look for advertising, paid upgrades, partnerships, or data uses so you understand the incentives behind it.

A trustworthy app makes these answers easy to find.

• Is there a clear privacy policy you can actually read?Do not skip this oneLook for plain language on what is collected, why, and for how long. If you cannot find or understand it, treat that as an answer.
• Does it say whether your data is shared or sold, and to whom?Check specifically for sharing with advertisers, data brokers or third parties. Vague wording usually means broad sharing.
• Does it ask for only what it needs?A step counter does not need your contacts or precise location. Permissions that go beyond the app function are worth questioning.
• Does it mention encryption and a login you control?Look for a password or passcode, and ideally two-factor login, plus a statement that data is encrypted in transit and storage.

You should be able to leave and take your data with you.

• Can you export your data if you want it?Being able to download your own records is a good sign, and useful if you switch apps or want to show a clinician.
• Can you delete your account and data permanently?Do not skip this oneCheck there is a real delete option, not just a way to hide the app. Ask how long deletion takes and whether backups are removed.
• Can you change what you share later?Good apps let you adjust permissions and marketing consent at any time, without losing access to the core feature.