AI-powered app HeHealth that checked ‘dick pics’ for STDs shuts down

HeHealth’s AI-powered Calmara app claimed“Our modern AI expertise gives quick, confidential, and scientifically confirmed sexual well being checks, providing you with peace of thoughts earlier than diving into your intimate life,” nevertheless it’s now shut down following an FTC investigation.

The app inspired customers to submit penis images to be examined for sexually transmitted infections, promising “clear, science-backed solutions about your accomplice’s sexual well being,” in response to Federal Commerce Fee Letter dated July 11. The letter outlines a few of the company’s considerations about data HeHealth relied on in its claims, together with that it may detect greater than 10 sexually transmitted infections with accuracy as much as 94 p.c.

The FTC notes that HeHealth paid a number of research authors, that the principle research the corporate cited solely assessed 4 forms of STIs somewhat than 10, and that the info used to coach the AI ​​mannequin included photographs of customers who by no means took a diagnostic check to verify the outcomes.

The HeHealth app, which makes use of the identical AI, was positioned extra as an preliminary step for folks earlier than connecting with a well being care supplier.

The corporate agreed to close down each apps by July 15, and Calmara’s web site and hyperlinks to the HeHealth app seem to have been disabled. The corporate additionally agreed to delete all private buyer data collected via the apps or fee suppliers and to ask these suppliers to delete any information about their clients, the FTC mentioned.

“The hardworking folks on the Federal Commerce Fee are so devoted to defending customers that they’re keen to wade via pages of penis images to guard Individuals from AI-powered scammers,” mentioned an individual aware of the matter, talking on situation of anonymity as a result of he was not approved to touch upon the investigation. Edge.

The FTC issued a civil investigative demand (just like a subpoena) looking for details about Calmara’s promoting claims and privateness insurance policies, and notified HeHealth that it’s illegal to make well being claims with out “dependable scientific proof.”

HeHealth didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark. Edge.

The FTC mentioned it could not pursue the investigation as a result of HeHealth agreed to those phrases and due to Calmara’s “small variety of customers and gross sales in the US.” Nonetheless, it cautioned, “The Fee reserves the correct to take such additional motion as could also be crucial within the public curiosity.”