Samsung Health forces users to share data with AI models

A new update to the Samsung Health app presents users with a tough choice. Anyone who does not release their sensitive health data for artificial intelligence training will lose important functions. There is even a risk that the data will be deleted.

Tough choice with Samsung Health

After a recent update, users of the fitness application Samsung Health are confronted with changes that will surprise and annoy many. The Korean company requires express consent to use personal health data to train artificial intelligence. Anyone who refuses this release must expect the loss of central functions. The adjustment of the terms of use will take place shortly before the expected presentation of the next generation of smartwatches.

The background to the measure is the introduction of new AI-supported health functions. In the future, the system will be able to create personalized training plans, carry out more in-depth analyzes of sleep problems and give individual advice on nutrition. To do this, the company says it needs real user data in order to continuously improve the accuracy of the underlying algorithms. The information collected and processed includes, among other things, daily step counts, detailed medication plans, cycle protocols and sometimes complete digital medical records, if users have stored them. Now, How-To Geek as reported in a current analysis, a corresponding warning message clearly asks users to share their data when they open the application.

Data deletion as a consequence

If a user refuses to release their own data or withdraws consent that has already been given in the account settings, synchronization with the manufacturer’s central account stops immediately. This means that from now on it is no longer possible to compare vital signs across devices between smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. In addition, the software warns that health data already stored on the company’s servers will be deleted. The only exceptions to this are data for which there are statutory retention periods. There is no provision for simply pausing data collection. In the event of a contradiction, the company completely removes the user’s entire previous history from the cloud.

Restrictions in everyday life

According to the updated terms of use, training the new artificial intelligence models explicitly includes human review of the data collected. Technology companies usually anonymize such data sets before analysis, but this still means widespread release. Anyone who decides against the transmission can only use the app and connected wearables as self-sufficient systems. Without the cloud connection, all measured values ​​remain strictly local on the respective device. If the watch is lost, all recorded fitness and health data will be permanently lost as no external backup is available.