Navigating Privacy and Security in Digital Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment Services

A report from the Opioid Policy Institute

As the opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the United States, digital health services have emerged as a beacon of hope for increasing access to essential addiction treatment and recovery support. However, the promise of these digital platforms is marred by significant privacy and security concerns that threaten the very fabric of effective addiction healthcare.

The following provides a summary based on a new investigative report from the Opioid Policy Institute. Their report delves into the critical aspects of privacy and security that individuals should consider when using digital services for the purchase of opioids and seeks to provide guidance on navigating these digital landscapes safely.

The Importance of Privacy in Addiction Treatment

Privacy in addiction health care is not a new concept; it has been a cornerstone of effective treatment and recovery long before the advent of digital health services. The expectation of privacy encompasses several key tenets:

• The right to access treatment without fear of repercussions affecting one's children, housing, employment, insurance, public benefits, or freedom.
• The assurance that privacy, security, and confidentiality claims made by providers are accurate and reliable.
• The protection of health information from being shared with or sold to third parties, including advertising and social media companies.
• The expectation that federal funding for these services includes rigorous evaluation to minimize harm to users.

Alarming Findings in Digital Health Services

Recent analysis reveals troubling practices among major OUD mHealth websites:

• A significant number of these websites employ tracking technology that shares identifying information with third-party advertisers, including Meta (Facebook) Pixel and Google Analytics, in direct violation of these platforms' policies against handling sensitive health-related information.
• Despite marketing themselves as private and secure, many of these websites fail to meet basic privacy standards, misleading users about the confidentiality of their treatment.

Guidance for Users

When seeking digital services for opioid addiction treatment, consider the following to protect your privacy and security:

• Research and Verify Claims: Before engaging with any digital health service, research their privacy policies and practices. Be wary of services that claim to be "100% confidential" or display HIPAA badges without clear evidence of compliance.
• Understand the Technology: Be aware of the tracking technologies used by these websites. If possible, use privacy-enhancing tools or browsers that limit tracking.
• Seek Recommendations: Look for services recommended by reputable healthcare providers or organizations that specialize in addiction treatment.
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask the service provider about their data protection and privacy practices. A credible provider should be transparent and willing to discuss how they protect your information.
• Legal and Policy Advocacy: Support and advocate for stronger legal protections and policies that ensure digital health services adhere to the highest standards of privacy and security.

Conclusion

The potential of digital health services to expand access to vital addiction treatment and recovery support is immense. However, the effectiveness of these services is undermined by inadequate privacy and security practices. As we navigate the digital age of healthcare, it is imperative that digital OUD treatment services not only promise but also deliver the same level of privacy and security expected in traditional healthcare settings. By doing so, they can truly fulfill their potential as a lifeline for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.