Facebook reportedly asked multiple hospitals around the country somewhat recently if they wanted to share patient information in an apparent attempt to help the healthcare institutions with certain processes. While the initiative, which CNBC first reported, hasn’t made it past the initial planning stage, it will likely intensify already clamorous concerns over how the tech giant values people’s data privacy.
After all, Facebook allegedly tabled the proposed project when public backlash ensued, stemming from the disclosure it was suspending a data analytics firm for misusing information related to users’ traits and online tendencies.
Facebook has “not received, shared, or analyzed anyone’s data,” the company clarified, according to CNBC.
The data in question would be anonymized, meaning the personally identifiable aspects are obfuscated or eliminated completely. The project would only be for medical research purposes, the tech company also reportedly said.
The now-tentative effort was first spearheaded by a doctor, who describes his current work as “leading top-secret projects,” CNBC reported. (RELATED: Zuckerberg Is Also Testifying Before The Senate While He’s In Town)
Facebook did not respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment in time of publication.
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Tags: Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg
