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These excerpts taken from the WBMD 10-K filed Feb 27, 2009. International
Regulation
The WebMD Health Network is not directed to
non-U.S. users;
and nearly all of the users of our private portals are
U.S. employees or plan members. As a result, we do not
believe that we currently conduct our business in a manner that
subjects us to international data regulation in any material
respect. However, one element of our growth strategy is to seek
to expand our online services to markets outside the United
States. Generally, we expect that we would accomplish this
through partnerships or joint ventures with other companies
having expertise in the specific country or region, as was the
case with our entry into the physician portal marketplace in
Latin America, Spain and Portugal in 2007.
Many countries and governmental bodies have, or are developing,
laws that may apply to online health information services of the
types we provide or to Internet sites generally, including laws
regarding the collection, use, storage and dissemination of
personal information or patient data. To the extent our
operations are located within their jurisdiction or are directed
at individuals within their jurisdiction, these laws may apply
to us. In addition, those governments may attempt to apply such
laws extraterritorially or through treaties or other
arrangements with U.S. governmental entities. To the extent
we fail to accurately anticipate the application or
interpretation of these laws, we could be subject to liability
and adverse publicity, which could negatively affect our
business. In addition, these laws may impose additional
operational requirements or restrictions on our business, and
increase our cost of doing business.
International Regulation The WebMD Health Network is not directed to non-U.S. users; and nearly all of the users of our private portals are U.S. employees or plan members. As a result, we do not believe that we currently conduct our business in a manner that subjects us to international data regulation in any material respect. However, one element of our growth strategy is to seek to expand our online services to markets outside the United States. Generally, we expect that we would accomplish this through partnerships or joint ventures with other companies having expertise in the specific country or region, as was the case with our entry into the physician portal marketplace in Latin America, Spain and Portugal in 2007. Many countries and governmental bodies have, or are developing, laws that may apply to online health information services of the types we provide or to Internet sites generally, including laws regarding the collection, use, storage and dissemination of personal information or patient data. To the extent our operations are located within their jurisdiction or are directed at individuals within their jurisdiction, these laws may apply to us. In addition, those governments may attempt to apply such laws extraterritorially or through treaties or other arrangements with U.S. governmental entities. To the extent we fail to accurately anticipate the application or interpretation of these laws, we could be subject to liability and adverse publicity, which could negatively affect our business. In addition, these laws may impose additional operational requirements or restrictions on our business, and increase our cost of doing business. | EXCERPTS ON THIS PAGE:
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