Staying healthy is important, and fitness trackers make it easier. You can count your steps, track your sleep, and see your heart rate with just a glance at your wrist. But there’s a catch. Many fitness trackers collect your health data and sell it to other companies. This isn’t just about ads. It’s about your privacy, your habits, and sometimes even your location. If you use a fitness tracker, you need to know which ones might be sharing your information and what you can do about it.
Here’s a list of fitness trackers that have been reported to sell or share your health data. I’ll explain what each one does, what data they collect, and how you can protect yourself. This isn’t meant to scare you, but to help you make smart choices.
1. Fitbit
Fitbit is one of the most popular fitness trackers. It tracks your steps, heart rate, sleep, and even your location. Fitbit’s privacy policy says it can share your data with third parties for research, marketing, and business purposes. After Google bought Fitbit, concerns about data sharing grew. Google has said it won’t use Fitbit health data for ads, but the company still shares some data with partners. If you use Fitbit, check your privacy settings. You can limit some data sharing, but not all. If you want to keep your health data private, think twice before syncing everything to the cloud.
2. Garmin
Garmin makes fitness trackers for runners, cyclists, and outdoor fans. Garmin collects a lot of data, including your workouts, heart rate, and GPS location. The company’s privacy policy allows it to share data with affiliates and service providers. Garmin also shares data for research and analytics. While Garmin says it doesn’t sell your data for advertising, it does share information with partners. If you use Garmin, review your account settings. You can delete your data, but some information may still be stored or shared.
3. Apple Watch
Apple Watch is known for its privacy features, but it’s not perfect. Apple says it doesn’t sell your health data, and most data stays on your device. But if you use third-party apps, your data can be shared. Some apps collect your heart rate, sleep, and activity data, then sell it to advertisers or data brokers. Apple gives you control over which apps access your health data. Always check app permissions and read privacy policies before connecting new apps to your Apple Watch.
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watch tracks your steps, heart rate, and sleep. Samsung’s privacy policy allows the company to share your data with affiliates, service providers, and business partners. Some of this data can be used for marketing or analytics. Samsung also works with third-party apps, which may collect and sell your health data. If you use a Galaxy Watch, review your privacy settings and be careful about which apps you install. You can limit some data sharing, but not all.
5. Whoop
Whoop is a fitness tracker for serious athletes. It tracks your heart rate, sleep, and recovery. Whoop’s privacy policy says it can share your data with service providers and research partners. The company also shares de-identified data for analytics and business purposes. While Whoop says it doesn’t sell your personal data, sharing with partners can still put your privacy at risk. If you use Whoop, you can request to delete your data, but some information may be kept for legal reasons.
6. Amazfit
Amazfit trackers are affordable and popular. They collect data like steps, heart rate, and sleep. Amazfit’s privacy policy allows the company to share your data with affiliates, service providers, and business partners. Some of this data may be used for marketing or analytics. Amazfit also works with third-party apps, which can collect and sell your health data. If you use Amazfit, check your privacy settings and be careful about which apps you connect.
7. Xiaomi Mi Band
Xiaomi Mi Band is a budget-friendly fitness tracker. It tracks your steps, sleep, and heart rate. Xiaomi’s privacy policy says it can share your data with affiliates, service providers, and business partners. Some of this data may be used for marketing or analytics. Xiaomi also works with third-party apps, which can collect and sell your health data. If you use Mi Band, review your privacy settings and be careful about which apps you install.
8. Third-Party Apps
Many fitness trackers let you connect to third-party apps. These apps can collect your health data and sell it to advertisers or data brokers. Some apps ask for more data than they need. Always check app permissions and read privacy policies before connecting new apps to your fitness tracker. If you’re not sure why an app needs your data, don’t give it access.
9. Insurance and Employer Programs
Some insurance companies and employers offer fitness trackers as part of wellness programs. They may collect your health data to track your activity or offer rewards. But they can also use this data to set premiums or make decisions about your coverage. Before joining a program, ask how your data will be used and who will see it. You can read more about how insurance companies use health data here.
10. Data Brokers
Data brokers buy and sell health data from many sources, including fitness trackers. They combine this data with other information to build detailed profiles. These profiles can be sold to advertisers, insurance companies, or even employers. You may not know when your data is sold, and it’s hard to get it back.
Protecting Your Health Data: What You Can Do
Fitness trackers are useful, but they come with risks. If you care about your privacy, take a few steps to protect your health data. First, read the privacy policy before buying a tracker. Choose devices that keep most data on your device, not in the cloud. Limit the number of third-party apps you connect. Check your privacy settings often and delete data you don’t need. If you join a wellness program, ask how your data will be used. Remember, once your health data is sold, you can’t get it back. Make smart choices and stay in control of your information.
Have you ever worried about your fitness tracker selling your health data? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments.
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