Your Health Data Might Be Funding Google's Ads

Google's advertising empire might be benefiting from your health data. Ever wondered where your personal information goes after you hit submit on a form? It's a mystery for many, but for residents of California, there's a new twist. Blue Shield of California recently disclosed that some of its customers' private health data was shared with Google Analytics. This means that sensitive information might have been used to target ads. The situation is still unfolding, but it's clear that this wasn't a deliberate data sale. Blue Shield of California stated that the data sharing happened by accident. The company used Google Analytics to track website usage until January 2024. However, in February 2025, they discovered that certain member data had been shared with Google Ads, potentially including protected health information. For about two years and eight months, Blue Shield unknowingly sent Google sensitive health data. This data included details like insurance plan information, city and zip code, gender, family size, and even medical claim information. It's a lot of personal information that was likely used to tailor ads to the individuals whose data was shared. Most people probably didn't realize that their health data was being used in this way. It's a bit like searching for a blender online and then seeing blender ads everywhere you go, but on a much more personal level. Blue Shield of California has assured that the leaked information did not include highly sensitive details like Social Security numbers or banking information. However, the company is advising its members to review their account information and report any suspicious activity. They also recommend contacting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if there are concerns about unauthorized account access. The FTC can be reached at 1-877-438-4338. This incident raises important questions about data privacy and how our personal information is used. It's a reminder to be vigilant about who has access to our data and how it's being used. Blue Shield of California has provided links for members to check if their data has been compromised. It's a good idea to take advantage of these resources to stay safe.