Legal News
Samaritans’ Twitter mental health app investigated over privacy concerns (5 November 2014)
Date: 05/11/2014
Independent watchdog The Office of the Information Commissioner is to investigate a Twitter app launched by Samaritans, which detects when a Twitter user is suffering from depression.
Critics of the app say it has implications for privacy and is potentially invasive.
The Samaritans Radar app is also poorly designed, say critics – the app detects key phrases in tweets such as “I hate myself” or “Tired of being alone” and emails the account holder with an alert about their follower’s state of mind and how to help.
The intention is to garner existing social media support to help emotionally vulnerable Twitter users.
However, the Information Commissioner has said that, although the app has been produced “with the best of intentions”, the watchdog will be discussing exactly how the app works with Samaritans. There are concerns that those the app aims to help have not signed up to it.
The app is currently tracking 1.64 million Twitter accounts – and since its launch last week, more than 3,000 Twitter users have downloaded it.
An online petition calling for the app to be scrapped has also been set up.
Twitter users who suspect their followers may be using the app can block it by applying to Samaritans to join a whitelist.
The Information Commissioner’s Office said:
“We are aware of the concerns that have been raised about the privacy implications of the Samaritans Radar app – and we will be speaking with the Samaritans to find out more about how this app works.”
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is the UK largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on mental health law, including access to NHS services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.
For expert legal help with mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.