Social Media Sites Got Information from Ad Trackers on US State Health Insurance Sites

Source: Slashdot

Findings

All 20 of America’s state‑run healthcare marketplace sites “include advertising trackers that share information with Big Tech companies,” as reported by Gizmodo citing a Bloomberg investigation.

Data Shared

The trackers may transmit personal and demographic information to companies such as:

• Meta
• TikTok
• Snap
• Google
• Nextdoor
• LinkedIn

Collected data points include:

• ZIP code
• Sex
• Citizenship status
• Race

State‑Specific Examples

• Rhode Island: Trackers were found on Medicaid‑related pages, potentially revealing a user’s financial status and need for assistance.
• Maryland: A Spanish‑language page titled “Good News for Noncitizen Pregnant Marylanders” and a page for DACA recipients navigating healthcare options were transmitting data to Big Tech firms.

Response

Following the Bloomberg report, several states have already removed some trackers from their exchange websites.

Thanks to Slashdot reader JoeyRox for sharing the news.