The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against telehealth provider Hims and Hers Health, citing claims that the company misled consumers on multiple fronts. The FTC, alongside Los Angeles County and Utah authorities, alleged that Hims and Hers disclosed users’ sensitive health information to online advertising firms including Meta Platforms and Snap Inc. through tracking technologies integrated into its website, contradicting privacy assurances provided to customers.
Additional allegations centered on the company’s billing procedures. Regulators claimed Hims and Hers charged customers for prescriptions before they had consulted with a healthcare provider, with many users reportedly billed after completing intake forms rather than after speaking with a medical professional. The FTC also contended that the company created barriers preventing users from canceling their subscriptions.
The company responded to the lawsuit through a post on X, rejecting the allegations and asserting that the legal action “disregards substantial evidence” provided throughout the FTC’s investigation spanning nearly three years. Hims and Hers stated it would “vigorously defend” itself and expressed confidence in its legal position.
The company has grown substantially in the telehealth sector, particularly in the weight loss medication market. It provides virtual consultations and delivers prescriptions for treatments including weight loss drugs, erectile dysfunction medications, hair loss solutions, and mental health pharmaceuticals directly to consumers. The FTC investigation began in October 2023. Settlement discussions commenced in April after the FTC formally communicated its findings, and in May, Hims and Hers disclosed a $15 million probable-loss accrual related to the matter while offering a settlement without admitting wrongdoing. The new lawsuit represents an escalation in the regulatory dispute.
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