MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Internet and technology giant Google (NSDQ:GOOG) agreed to overhaul its healthcare-related advertising practices after Canadian regulators accused the company of violating privacy laws by using search histories to target users with healthcare-related ads.

Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner launched an investigation into Google after a search engine user reported that he received targeted ads for healthcare services after he searched for information on sleep apnea treatments.

So-called "behavioral advertising" linked to internet users’ activity is nothing new or uncommon, but Canadian laws prohibit companies from collecting data that may of a personal or sensitive nature.

"We’ve worked closely with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner throughout this process and are pleased to be resolving this issue," Google Canada communications & public affairs head Leslie Church told the Financial Post.

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