The New U.S. Health Data Push — Big Tech Is In, But So Are the Privacy Questions!

Read time: 2.5 minutes

✅ The Benefits:

• One record, anywhere – Access your health data across providers without delays.

• Smarter healthcare – AI can spot warning signs earlier and help manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

• Faster admin – Digital processes cut down waiting times and paperwork.

• Opt-in participation – You choose if and when to share your records.

❌ The Concerns:

• HIPAA gaps – Many third-party health apps aren’t covered, reducing your privacy protections.

• Data monetization risks – Without strong safeguards, your data could be shared or sold.

• Security exposure – More digital entry points mean more opportunities for breaches.

• Complex consent – App permissions and privacy policies can be hard to understand.

How China’s Health Code System Worked?

• Introduced in 2020 to control COVID-19 spread through monitoring health status and travel history. Source: Wikipedia – “Health Codes (Chinese mobile app group)”

• Used color-coded QR codes (green, yellow, red) to determine whether someone could move freely or face restrictions.

• Integrated into Alipay and WeChat for widespread use.

• Adopted in over 200 cities, with local governments managing their own versions.

• Required for entry into public places, transportation, and many daily activities.

• The process for assigning codes was not transparent, and users had limited ability to contest their status.

Key Takeaways:

• This U.S. initiative is opt-in, meaning you control whether to participate.

• Once shared, data in non-HIPAA-covered apps may have weaker protections.

• QR codes and digital IDs should be treated as sensitive personal identifiers.

• Read and understand privacy policies before granting permissions.

• China’s example shows how quickly health data systems can expand beyond their original purpose.