WebMD is a website for medical issues, that is not a replacement for a real life doctor. You can check your symptoms on their website to narrow it down to certain illnesses which may or may not be the underlying issue. It is best to consult a doctor and not rely on WebMD for your health questions.
Personal data collected
Some of their services do not collect your information, while others do. If you decide to not register an account with WebMD, they may still collect information from you when you use their website. You can use their website without an account, but some features require one. When you sign up for an account, they collect your information such as your name, postal address, mobile number, gender, email address, date of birth, username, and password.
When you participate in a WebMD research survey, online focus group, or sweepstakes you may be required to provide your location, age, name, and contact information. If you decide to participate in their message boards, post reviews, or any other forums, any personal information you share is considered public, so you need to be aware of that.
WebMD automatically collects information from you such as IP address, unique device identifier, browser information, referring URL, preferences, settings, search queries, advertisement clicks, views, and date and time of these actions, device model, system information, advertising ID, app version, usage information, location information, and GPS.
Personal data usage
WebMD uses data to:
- Measure the effectiveness of their content, advertising, or programs.
- Tailor advertisements to your interests.
- Improve, create, and provide their services to you.
- Respond to any questions you have.
- Send you information about their websites and services.
- Obtain feedback.
- Send you news announcements, reminders, and opportunities.
- Analyze how frequently their websites are visited, how the services are being used, and how many emails are received and opened.
- Provide you with relevant advertising.
- Protect against fraud and illegal activities.
- Fix any issues they come across.
- Administer your account.
Cookies and similar tech
WebMD collects some of your information through the use of cookies, clear GIFs, web beacons, mobile identifiers, and other similar technologies. If you decide to disable cookies, their website may not function as intended.
WebMD account
With a WebMD account you can save your preferences and settings. They do not provide their services to anyone under the age of 13. Under parental consent, a minor can use their services, but they need to be supervised and monitored by a parent.
Data shared with WebMD
How to protect your privacy
There are various ways to protect yourself while using WebMD, for example:
- Turn off email notifications in the Email Alerts section under Message Board settings.
- Contact WebMD to remove your personal information.
- Opt out of newsletters and other email communications from them.
- Disable cookies.
- Email them to delete your account, from the email address you sign up with and include your member name and reason for deletion.
How to contact WebMD about your privacy
You can contact WebMD via phone at 1-866-788-3097, online, or postal mail at:
WebMD LLC
Attn: Office of Privacy
1201 Peachtree Street, NE
400 Colony Square, Suite 2100
Atlanta, GA 30361
USA