What happened
Samsung Health introduced a mandatory "Consent to the Use of Health Data for AI training and modelling" toggle. Users must agree to share personal metrics, including sleep, medications, medical records, and cycle tracking details, for AI model training and algorithm refinement. Refusal blocks data synchronisation with Samsung accounts and triggers deletion of existing health data, unless legally required retention applies. Samsung states this data improves Samsung Health's machine learning algorithms, with human review by employees and contractors. This update precedes the Galaxy Watch 9 and One UI 9 Watch launch.
Why it matters
This policy forces Samsung Health users to choose between data privacy and continued app functionality, directly impacting individual data control. The mechanism blocks data synchronisation and deletes records upon opt-out, creating a significant constraint on user autonomy. This follows Penn State researchers questioning AI health accuracy, underscoring the need for scrutiny over how health data trains models.
