We believe that your health information belongs to you, so we put you in control. Want to store your health records online? Here's how we keep your data safe and private.
All of Google's products and services, including Google Health, are governed by our main Privacy Policy, which explains how we treat personal information. In addition, we've created a policy that describes privacy practices specific to Google Health. Check out the Google Health Privacy Policy.
Online health services that are integrated with Google Health must comply with our Google Health Developer Policies, which establish strict privacy standards for how they collect, use, and share your information. It's up to you if you want to share your health information with any of these services.
How does Google Health protect my privacy?
We'll never sell your health information or make it publicly accessible through searches on Google.com. We also won't share it with others unless you explicitly authorize us to do so, or in the limited circumstances described in the Google Privacy Policy (such as when we're required to do so by law). When you first create and save personal health information, you're the only one who can view and edit it, and you can delete your data at any time.
Will others -- like my employer or my insurance company -- be able to access the information I store in Google Health?
You, and only you, control access to your health information when you use Google Health. It's really up to you to choose who views or adds information to your Google Heath profile, and you can revoke access at any time.
How does Google Health keep my health information secure?
We use software, hardware, and strict policies to keep your health information safe and private.
The health information users store with us is protected by state-of-the-art technologies, including Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, firewalls, alarms, and other technology we build ourselves or buy from other experts in the security industry. We have extensive backup systems in place to protect the integrity of this information. Google's servers are protected by strong physical security at our facilities, including pass codes, locks, and security personnel.
Procedural safeguards are also in place to secure the health information users store with us. Within Google, only the people who are operating and improving Google Health have access to user information, and they are bound by strict policies to not disclose this information to others, either within Google or to the outside world.
Is Google Health covered by HIPAA?
Unlike a doctor or health plan, Google Health is not regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a federal law that establishes data confidentiality standards for patient health information. This is because Google does not store data on behalf of health care providers. Instead, our primary relationship is with you, the user. Under HIPAA, you have a right to obtain a copy of your medical records. If you choose to use Google Health, we'll help you store and manage your medical records online.
Although Google Health is not covered by HIPAA, we are committed to protecting your privacy. Our Google Health Privacy Policy governs what information Google Health collects and how we use it, and any violation of that policy can be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which takes action against companies that engage in unfair and deceptive trade practices -- including violations of their privacy policies.
Check out more information on Google Health and HIPAA.
Why are there changes to the Google Health Privacy and Developer Policies?
Since the launch of Google Health in May 2008, the healthcare industry has been very active and the landscape for health information technology has been evolving. Our team has been tracking these changes and learning from our users and business partners. Given new developments in the industry, we have updated our Google Health Privacy Policy and Developer Policies to better protect our users, support our partners, and respond to changes in the industry.
What are the changes to the the Google Health Privacy Policy?
There are a few changes to the Google Health Privacy Policy we would like to highlight for you.
What are the changes to the Google Health Developer Policies?
There are a few changes to the Google Health Developer Policies we would like to highlight for you.