Learn about the Federal Trade Commission's role in consumer protection, marketing, and privacy relating to mobile health apps.

1.  Section 5 of the FTC Act broadly prohibits “unfair
or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting
commerce.”
◦ Deception: a material representation or omission that is
likely to mislead consumers acting reasonably under the
circumstances
◦ Unfairness: a practice that causes or is likely to cause
substantial injury to consumers that is not outweighed
by countervailing benefits to consumers or competition
and is not reasonably avoidable by consumers
 Flexible law that can be applied to many different
situations, entities, and technologies

2.  GMR
 Accretive
 Cbr Systems
 AcneApp/AcnePwner

3.  Tell the truth about what your app can do.
 Disclose key information clearly and
conspicuously.
 Build privacy considerations in from the start.
 Be transparent about your data practices.
 Offer easy to find and easy to use choices.
 Honor your privacy promises.
 Protect kids’ privacy.
 Collect sensitive information (like health info)
only with consent.
 Keep user data secure.

4.  FTC Business Center (business.ftc.gov)
 Marketing your Mobile App
 Mobile App Developers: Start with Security
 Complying with the FTC’s Health Breach Notification
Rule