10 REASONS NOT

TO USE SKYPE FOR REMOTE COUNSELING OR THERAPY

1. Skype may gather and use information about you: It has a

list of your contacts and data and the content of

your instant messaging data.

2. Skype cannot verify transmission

security.

3. Skype has no breach notifications (HIPAA requirement).

4. Skype does not have audit trails.

5. From a confidentiality standpoint, Skype shows

when your list of contacts are online, and likewise

shows when you are online.

6. Skype is quite frequently hacked and you are not

informed. (see #3)

7. Skype will not give you a BAA. HIPAA law states you must

be given a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) from the

videoconferencing company you choose.

8. Skype can sell their list of contacts. Yes, really!

9. Skype has no offer of technical support. Help?

10. Wiretapping is common practice with Skype calls and

chats. The NSA frequently wire taps Skype connections.

Let’s get right to it. Skype just isn’t made for the therapeutic relationship

and doesn’t comply with HIPAA regulations.