FTC Sued Hims & Hers Over Deceptive Practices
The agency alleges the telehealth company disclosed patient data and trapped users in subscriptions.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Do you trust online telehealth companies to keep your personal medical information private?
The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Hims & Hers, accusing the company of deceptive business practices including unauthorized data disclosure and misleading subscription policies. The agency claims the company bypassed real-time physician consultations while improperly sharing sensitive health information with advertising platforms.
Why it matters
The lawsuit highlights a major regulatory gap where federal health privacy laws like HIPAA fail to cover many direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms. This action reflects the ongoing challenge of protecting consumer data in an industry that often operates outside traditional medical oversight.
An analysis of 50 telehealth platforms found that less than one-third require real-time physician consultations, while only slightly more than half screen users for eating disorders.
The players
Federal Trade Commission
This independent United States government agency is responsible for protecting consumers and promoting competition.
Hims & Hers
This direct-to-consumer telehealth company provides medical consultations and prescription treatments for various health conditions.
The details
Regulators allege the firm utilized intake questionnaires to gather medical history while sharing that data with social media platforms for advertising purposes. Hims & Hers has officially disputed these government claims as the case proceeds.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Article publication date.
Market Landscape
This litigation follows a pattern of heightened FTC scrutiny toward telehealth providers, mirroring recent cases brought against companies like BetterHelp and GoodRx. The move underscores an industry-wide shift as regulators attempt to apply consumer protection standards to platforms that fall outside the traditional scope of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Consumers should be aware that their medical data shared through digital intake forms may not be protected by federal health privacy laws. Users are encouraged to carefully review subscription terms and privacy policies before utilizing direct-to-consumer telehealth services.
The takeaway
Patients should exercise caution when sharing sensitive medical details with online platforms that operate outside traditional clinical settings. Increased vigilance regarding data privacy terms can help consumers navigate the risks associated with modern direct-to-consumer healthcare models.
Further reading
For more on evolving regulatory oversight in the sector, visit the Healthcare section.
Live Poll
Do you trust online telehealth companies to keep your personal medical information private?
