With the rise of digital surveillance, securing our health data is no longer just a privacy issue—it's a matter of personal safety. In the wake of the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade and the growing restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming care, protecting our personal health data has never been more important. And in a world where nearly half of U.S. states have either banned or are on the brink of banning abortion, unfettered access to personal health data is an even more dangerous threat.
That’s why EFF joins the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) in urging Governor Hochul to sign the New York Health Information Privacy Act (A.2141/S.929). This legislation is a crucial step toward safeguarding the digital privacy of New Yorkers at a time when health data is increasingly vulnerable to misuse.
Why Health Data Privacy MattersWhen individuals seek reproductive health care or gender-affirming care, they leave behind a digital trail. Whether through search histories, email exchanges, travel itineraries, or data from period-tracker apps and smartwatches, every click, every action, and every step is tracked, often with little or no consent. And this kind of data—however collected—has already been used to criminalize individuals who were simply seeking health care.
Unlike HIPAA, which regulates 'covered entities'—providers of treatment, payors/insurers—who are part of the traditional health care system and their ‘business associates,’ this bill would expand its reach to cover a broad range of 'new' entities. These include data brokers, tech companies, and others in the digital ecosystem, who can access and share this sensitive health information. The result is a growing web of entities collecting personal data, far beyond the scope of traditional health care providers.
For example, in some states, individuals have been investigated or even prosecuted based on their digital data, simply for obtaining abortion care. In a world where our health choices are increasingly monitored, the need for robust privacy protections is clearer than ever. The New York Health Information Privacy Act is the Empire State’s opportunity to lead the nation in protecting its residents.
What Does the Health Information Privacy Act Do?At its core, the New York Health Information Privacy Act would provide vital protections for New Yorkers' electronic health data. Here’s what the bill does:
The need for these protections is urgent. As digital surveillance expands, so does the risk of personal health data being used against individuals. In a time when personal health decisions are under attack, it’s crucial that New Yorkers have control over their health information. By signing this bill, Governor Hochul would ensure that out-of-state actors cannot easily access New Yorkers’ health data without due process, protecting individuals from legal actions in states that criminalize reproductive and gender-affirming care.
However, this bill still faces a critical shortcoming—the absence of a private right of action (PRA). Without it, individuals cannot directly sue companies for privacy violations, leaving them vulnerable. Accountability would fall solely on the Attorney General, who would need the resources to quickly and consistently enforce the new law. Nonetheless, the Attorney General’s role will now be critical in ensuring this bill is upheld, and they must remain steadfast in implementing these protections effectively.
Governor Hochul: Sign A.2141/S.929The importance of this legislation cannot be overstated—it is about protecting people from potential legal actions related to their health care decisions. By signing this bill, Governor Hochul would solidify New York’s position as a leader in health data privacy and take a firm stand against the misuse of personal information.
New York has the power to protect its residents and set a strong precedent for privacy protections across the nation. Let’s ensure that personal health data remains in the hands of those who own it—the individuals themselves.
Governor Hochul: This is your chance to make a difference. Let’s take action now to protect what matters most—our health, our data, and our rights. Sign A.2141/ S.929 today.