1. What is the primary concern with the data privacy practices of mental health apps?

Ans. Apps may process and share data in ways not anticipated by users.

The concern is that these apps may process and share data in ways not anticipated by users, leading to potential privacy breaches or misuse of sensitive personal information.​

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2. In 2023, Youper updated their privacy policy to not share data with third parties.

Ans. True

The statement is true as it indicates that Youper updated their privacy practices to enhance user privacy by not sharing data with third parties, reflecting a shift towards more stringent data handling norms. (Check the Awareness page in Research)

 

3. Which of the following properties are observed in Mental Health chatbots?

Ans. Convenience, Availability

Chatbots in the mental health space are primarily valued for their convenience and availability, allowing users to receive support anytime and anywhere without the need for a human therapist's presence.​  (Check the Comparision page in Research)

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4. HIPAA ____ regulates how mental health applications use mental health data.

Ans. Sometimes

HIPAA only sometimes regulates mental health applications depending on whether the app's provider is covered under HIPAA definitions as a healthcare provider or associate, indicating conditional compliance requirements.  (Check the Timeline page in Research)

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5. What legal actions can be taken against a company for privacy violations in the context of mental health apps?

Ans. Initiating a class action lawsuit; Seeking a settlement out of court

Possible legal actions include initiating a class action lawsuit, where multiple affected parties come together to sue, or seeking an out-of-court settlement, which is a negotiation to resolve the dispute without a trial.  (Check the Legal page in Research)

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6. Which regulatory body is primarily responsible for enforcing consumer privacy rights in the United States?

Ans. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main body in the U.S. tasked with protecting consumer privacy rights, including those related to digital and health data.  (Check the Legal page in Research)

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7. Which of the following are potential consequences of non-compliance with privacy regulations in mental health apps? Select all that apply.

Ans. Loss of user trust; Legal consequences

For mental health apps, non-compliance can lead to loss of user trust and various legal consequences, reflecting the serious impact of failing to adhere to established privacy standards.  (Check the Transparency page in Research)

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8. Why is it important for mental health apps to prioritize data privacy for users?

Ans. Build Trust; Protect Sensitive Information; Ensure Confidentiality

Prioritizing data privacy helps build trust with users, protects sensitive information, and ensures confidentiality, all of which are critical in the context of mental health services.

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9. Which permission can severely compromise privacy if not managed correctly in mental health apps?

Ans. Read External Storage

This permission can severely compromise privacy as it allows apps to access extensive data possibly unrelated to the app's functionality, potentially leading to unauthorized data sharing or breaches.  (Check the Transparency page in Research)

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10. Therapists are never allowed to disclose their patient’s information.

Ans. False

The statement that therapists are never allowed to disclose patient information is false; there are specific circumstances, such as danger to the patient or others, where disclosure is legally permitted or required.