Samsung sparks privacy debate with new health data consent request for AI models

Samsung users are raising fresh privacy concerns after the company’s Health app introduced a new consent notice asking users to allow their health data to be used for artificial intelligence (AI) training and modelling. The update, which has started appearing for Samsung Health users worldwide, covers a wide range of personal information, including activity data, health records, medication details and menstrual cycle tracking. Users who decline the consent are warned that some key features, including syncing health data with their Samsung account, may no longer work as expected. The new notice has sparked debate online, with some users arguing that the choice between sharing sensitive health information and keeping cloud-sync functionality limits their ability to opt out without losing convenience. According to the consent notice issued this week, Samsung plans to use eligible health data to train and improve its AI models. The company says some of the information may also undergo human review as part of the development process. The data categories listed include physical activity, health records stored in the app, medication information and menstrual cycle data. What happens if you do not consent? Users who choose not to give consent are informed that Samsung Health will stop syncing their data with their Samsung account. The notice also states that health data already stored on Samsung’s servers may be deleted unless the company is legally required to retain it. The move has raised broader questions about digital privacy, especially because health information is considered among the most sensitive forms of personal data. Privacy advocates have long called on companies to provide clear explanations of how AI systems are trained and ensure users can opt out without losing essential product features. Samsung’s existing health data privacy policy states that, where required by law, the company seeks users’ consent before collecting, using or sharing consumer health data. It also says users have the right to access, delete or withdraw consent for the use of their health information. How to opt out of Samsung Health AI training: • Open the Samsung Health app • Go to Settings • Look for "Consent to the Use of Health Data for AI Training and Modelling" (the wording may vary by region or app version) • Turn off the consent toggle or select Decline when prompted • Read the warning carefully before confirming, as opting out may stop your health data from syncing with your Samsung account and could lead to deletion of previously stored cloud data The development comes as technology companies increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into consumer products, using large datasets to improve features such as personalised insights, predictive health recommendations and digital assistants. While some users may be comfortable contributing anonymised data to improve AI services, others may decide that maintaining greater control over their personal health information is a higher priority.