AI Health Coaches: Empowering Fitness with Data, but at What Cost to Privacy?

New Wave of AI Health Coaches Raises Concerns about Data Privacy

The extensive data gathered by leading wearable devices, including Fitbits, Apple Watches, WHOOP bands, Garmins, Pixel Watches, and others, covers a wide range of health metrics. These devices monitor stress levels, heart rate, body mass, sleep quality, exercise habits, and more. In many cases, these devices collect more data about you than your personal trainer or doctor.

To access this data, users typically dive into their device’s companion app to find detailed graphs and activity breakdowns, often presented as numerical scores. The introduction of a conversational AI, like the Fitbit chatbot, that can readily provide insights on your health data is a logical step forward.