BetterHelp Settles $7.8 Million Privacy Breach, Prioritize Mental Health for New Year Goals

As the new year approaches and individuals set their goals and resolutions, licensed mental health counselor Cherlette McCullough suggests prioritizing mental health. This is particularly crucial for achieving one’s objectives. Many recent and former clients of online therapy provider BetterHelp have received notifications regarding their eligibility for refunds due to a significant $7.8 million settlement. The settlement stems from accusations that BetterHelp violated user trust by unlawfully sharing sensitive health data with marketing firms. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the California-based business disclosed confidential information, such as mental health details, email addresses, and IP addresses, to multiple advertising platforms, including Facebook and Snapchat, which contradicts BetterHelp’s pledges about user data privacy and protection. This settlement aims to address the breach of privacy experienced by users and compensate them for any possible misuse of their sensitive information. Ankura Consulting Group, which represents Impacted BetterHelp clients who paid for services during the period between August 2017 and December 2020, is alerting affected clients about their repayment alternatives. Unless they opt out by June 10th, the recipients will automatically receive their refunds via PayPal. Although BetterHelp denied any wrongdoing, the settlement demonstrates the significance of digital privacy, particularly concerning mental health data, and serves as a reminder to all online service providers of the significance of maintaining customer confidence and adhering to privacy laws.