Report: Schumer concerned by fitness tech

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, is worried about privacy complications related to fitness tech and apps, according to a report from Newsday.

{mosads}During a Sunday press conference in New York, Schumer warned about the tech companies that collect — and sometimes share — information about a user’s activity and health, the report said.

He pointed to “one of the most well-known” personal fitness companies, Fitbit, which sells devices and operates an app that allows users to track their physical activity, weight and diet.

“Personal Fitbit bracelets and the data they collect on your health, your sleep, your location should be just that — personal — not sold to a wide variety of other users,” Schumer said.

He warned that the devices collect information about a user — including personal information, such as weight or sleep patterns — and share that data with employers, insurance companies and others.

“The kind of privacy laws that should protect us have not caught up to the new technology that helps keep us healthy,” Schumer said, calling on the Federal Trade Commission to act.

In a statement to Newsday, Fitbit denied that it sells data but did not comment on whether it shares data without selling it.

“Our privacy policy prevents us from” selling user data, the company said. 

“We are committed to our users’ privacy and welcome the opportunity to work with Senator Schumer on this important issue.”