Samsung Health users are facing a controversial new privacy decision after the company introduced an in-app consent request asking users to allow their health information to be used for artificial intelligence (AI) training and modelling. Decline the request as per reports could make users lose the ability to sync their health records with their Samsung account.
The change has ignited concerns among users who believe they are being forced to choose between protecting their privacy and keeping access to their health records.
However, simply switching off the option does not only prevent participation in AI training. Samsung says declining the option also disables cloud synchronisation for Samsung Health and removes stored health data from the user’s Samsung account.
Additionally, the consent covers a broad range of personal health information. This includes body measurements, nutrition records, daily activity and step counts, sleep information, medication details including prescriptions, medical records such as diagnoses, treatments and laboratory test results, as well as menstrual cycle tracking and related physiological health data.
Samsung company says the goal is to improve Samsung Health by enhancing health condition analysis, refining AI features and strengthening the algorithms used throughout the application.
Although, the move has generated criticism because the consent request extends beyond users who actively use AI features. Even people who only rely on Samsung Health to synchronise fitness and medical records across devices are required to make the same choice.
Another issue raised by observers is the lack of clear information about whether the health information used for AI development is anonymised before processing. Greater transparency is needed regarding how Samsung protects sensitive user data.
Earlier, in Pakistan, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in universities gradually transforming the way students study. It has become more than just a platform for instant solutions.
Read more: How is AI changing the study habits of Pakistani university students?
