Obama administration reverses itself on release of consumer data from HealthCare.gov
The Obama administration is reversing itself afteran outcry over consumer privacy on HealthCare.gov, the government'shealth insurance website.
The Associated Press confirms that the administration made changes tothe website to scale back release of consumers' personal information toprivate companies that analyze Internet performance and sell ads.
Read MoreGovernment health-care website quietly sharing personal data
The AP reported earlier this week that HealthCare.gov was sending outpersonal data such as age, income, ZIP code, tobacco use and whether awoman is pregnant.
Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images
That prompted lawmakers to demand an explanation. Privacy advocatescalled for immediate changes.Administration officials at first defended the practice, saying theoutside companies only used the data to analyze the workings ofHealthCare.gov and make improvements for consumers.
An administration spokesman has not responded to a request for comment.