Hims misled consumers and violated their privacy, FTC alleges in a lawsuit

July 29, 2026 - 22:39

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against the popular telehealth company Hims & Hers, alleging that the firm misled consumers and mishandled their private health information. The complaint, made public on Thursday, accuses the company of using deceptive tactics to sign up customers for subscription services without their clear consent, and of failing to protect sensitive medical data.

According to the FTC, Hims & Hers employed dark patterns in its online checkout process, making it difficult for users to cancel recurring charges. The agency also claims that the company shared detailed health information with third-party advertisers, including Facebook and Google, without proper authorization. This data allegedly included details about prescriptions and specific health conditions, which violates federal privacy laws.

The lawsuit seeks to impose financial penalties on the company and to force changes in its business practices. Hims & Hers, known for marketing treatments for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and mental health, has denied the allegations. In a statement, the company said it plans to fight the charges, arguing that the FTC's interpretation of the rules is overly broad. The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over how digital health startups handle consumer data and subscription models.