The combination of technology and health has helped us lead a more controlled and healthy life. Thanks to the wearable of the moment, the application on your mobile phone or the smartwatch, many have been encouraged to do sports, or control their training more. At first glance, it is all advantages, but like everything, it has a downside that you should be aware of. Therefore, in this article you will learn what privacy risks health and fitness applications can expose you to.
It’s quite a modern thing that everyone knows how fast or how long it takes them to run a kilometre. We now have much more control over our training and physical progress, we can control our sleep… even my grandmother has an app that measures her blood pressure and connects her directly to the doctor. There’s no denying the many advantages that advances in technology and health have brought to the world. But with them, and as with everything that has to do with our data, we need to know what privacy risks we’re exposed to. In this article, you’ll learn about the risks associated with health and fitness apps.
What do health and fitness apps know about you?
When you use apps like Fitbit, Strava, or MyFitnessPal, you’re handing over a wealth of sensitive data: your location, heart rate, weight, sleep habits, and more. While they may seem harmless, these apps can build up a very comprehensive profile about you, and that’s not always beneficial.
In addition, many of these apps collect additional information such as your name, age, sex, and even more personal data such as your occupation or habits. But the real concern is not only what they collect, but who this data can reach.
The problem of transferring data to third parties
One of the biggest privacy risks is that many apps share your data with third parties, such as advertisers or even law firms. This sharing of information can happen without you being fully aware of it, as privacy policies are often confusing or vaguely written.
An alarming case is that of the Flo app, which shared personal data with Facebook without explicit consent. This data included details about menstrual cycles and contraceptive methods, which demonstrates the level of vulnerability to which we are exposed.
Default privacy settings
Another risk is that many apps come with weak privacy settings by default. This means that unless you manually adjust these parameters, your information can be shared without your knowledge. The fitness app Strava, for example, allows your real-time location to be displayed, which can put your physical safety at risk if this data falls into the wrong hands.
Privacy policies are often so complicated that users simply don’t read them. Even if they do, it’s not always clear how their data will be used. Some apps hide important details in separate documents or use complex legal language that makes it difficult to understand what they’re actually agreeing to.
Tips to protect your privacy
Since health and fitness apps can expose valuable information, it’s critical to take steps to protect your privacy:
- Use an alias: If the app allows it, create a profile using an alias instead of your real name. This adds an extra layer of anonymity.
- Review permissions: Check what data the app requests and restrict access to strictly necessary information.
- Always update: Updates fix security flaws. Don’t ignore them.
- Review the privacy policy: Even though it may be tedious, take some time to read the privacy policy. This way you will know what you are exposing yourself to.
- Use two-factor authentication: Adding an extra layer of security will make it harder for third parties to access your account.
Health and fitness apps are useful tools, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks they pose to your privacy. By taking some simple precautions, you can continue to benefit from these apps without compromising your personal information.
