Recently Amazon’s Alexa, a voice assisted device, that plays music, answers questions and allows for online ordering filed a patent for its latest trick – recommending cold and flu medication if it overhears you coughing. With technology like this tracking our conversations, locations and now cold symptoms, how can we ensure that our medical information is protected from advertisers?
If you go online and search Google using terms relating to any illness or symptoms, Google will attempt to monetize those searches by targeting you with advertisements related to the searches. You may be concerned about your spouse or grandchildren using your computer and seeing these targeted ads.
There are three ways to prevent receiving targeted ads based on your search queries:
1. Clear your browser history.
2. Disable cookies.
3. Use a VPN (virtual private network).
If you have concerns about keeping a diagnosis, symptoms or certain medical condition private, you will need to take extra steps due to the invasive measures brought on by new technology. To discuss any elder law issues with an experienced Elder Law Attorney in the Greater Baltimore area, please contact Stouffer Legal at 443-470-3599.
