May 9, 2024 at 08:57AM
BetterHelp customers are now able to claim refunds from a $7.8 million settlement after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission accused the company of sharing sensitive health data with advertisers. Around 800,000 individuals are eligible for refunds of approximately $10 each, covering services used between August 2017 and December 2020. Notifications have been sent out regarding payment options.
The meeting notes summarize a $7.8 million settlement involving BetterHelp, an online therapy provider, which was reached due to allegations of sharing sensitive health data with advertisers. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission charged BetterHelp with disclosing consumer data, including mental health information, to companies like Facebook and Snapchat for advertising purposes. As a result, about 800,000 people are eligible for refunds averaging just under $10 each, covering those who signed up and paid for services on BetterHelp and related platforms between August 2017 and December 2020. Payments will be administered by Ankura Consulting Group, with options including PayPal, Zelle, or a paper check, and the default payment method will be via PayPal at their email address. Recipients have until June 10 to choose a different method. Despite the settlement, BetterHelp maintains that it has never shared private information such as names or therapy session data and does not receive payments from third parties for its members’ information.