Panic Over Samsung Health, But There Was an Error: Here’s What Really Happens to Your Data
In recent hours, a message appearing to some Samsung Health users has stirred up a hornet's nest online, as it implied that refusing to allow data to be used for AI training would have significant consequences on the app’s user experience. However, after the first reports, the company stepped in to clarify the situation.
The popup anticipated a change in the terms of use of Samsung Health and seemed to indicate that those who did not agree to share their data for AI training would lose account synchronization and have their previously stored information deleted. Such wording quickly fueled doubts and criticism, leading many to believe that the app would effectively become unusable without consent for AI.
According to what Samsung clarified to SamMobile, the message was, however, poorly worded. The deletion of data concerns exclusively those collected and stored separately for AI model development and training purposes, and not the health data typically used by Samsung Health to provide its services to users. Consequently, revoking consent for AI data usage does not mean the deletion of health history present in the app, nor does it prevent the synchronization of new data. Tests conducted by SamMobile confirm that Samsung Health continues to function normally even after the deactivation of the option dedicated to AI training.
Samsung also stated that it is working to modify the text of the notice to make it clearer and avoid further misunderstandings. However, it remains to be clarified in detail how data intended for AI development is processed. Samsung has not yet provided in-depth information on the processing methods, but it is plausible that an anonymization process will be adopted to prevent the connection between the information used for training models and individual users.
The company also indicates which categories of data may be used for AI model development: body measurements, nutrition, physical activity, step count, and sleep quality, as well as medication data, medical records, and menstrual cycle monitoring information, including some physiological readings like heart rate.
The regulatory context also needs to be considered. Within the app settings, there is a reference to the Washington Consumer Health Data Privacy Statement, suggesting that this change is primarily aimed at U.S. users. In Europe, where the regulatory framework on personal data protection is significantly more restrictive, there should not be substantial changes in how consent for AI training is managed.
Nonetheless, Samsung continues to focus on increasing integration between Galaxy AI and its wearable devices. The new Galaxy Watch series smartwatches, expected to debut in the coming days, will be the first to introduce advanced features based on artificial intelligence, also leveraging a new chip designed to handle part of the processing directly on the device.