What are mental health apps doing with your data? Academics have raised concerns about the data collection and use policies of some popular mental health apps.
From Melbourne University Contemplative Studies Centre and CHOICE Magazine, we learn about the activities behind meditation apps. Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam, Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre, and Professor Jeannie Paterson, Co-Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics, talk to Choice about the data collection and privacy practices of mental health and meditation apps, and raise concerns about the health benefit claims they make. Often these claims lack scientific evidence, leading to the suggestion that they be regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to ensure the accuracy of any claims about their effectiveness.