Facebook (FB) Looks to Increase Engagement with New Health Initiative

Facebook (Nasdaq: FB) might be taking its first steps into the healthcare industry soon.

Reuters said Friday that Facebook is planing to create online support communities which will connect users that have the same ailment. There might also be a preventative care app in the works.

Facebook has created teams that have met with medical industry entrepreneurs and experts over the last few months and also set up an R&D lab to test new health apps.

Privacy has always been an issue for Facebook and scrutiny will likely be high when it comes to users' health history. Some initiatives might include an eased policy on having users use their real names, for example.

The news could be viewed negatively for WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD).

Shares of Facebook are positive early.

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