If something has revolutionized the way people face their health and their physical shape, they were fitness applications
If something has revolutionized the way people face their health and their physical form, they were fitness applications. Used to monitor training, measure progress and even offer virtual training, but have become essential companions not only by sports enthusiasts, but also to ordinary people who are looking for a healthier life.
What many ignore, however, is the amount of data that are continually collected by these applications and how this can affect user privacy. These are the health, position and staff preferences that can be exposed, sold or even used.
Collection of data in full swing
Whether the number of steps that the user undertakes, the heart rate or the race course, most applications record much more than simple training. According to recent surveys, almost all the most popular applications collect and share confidential data by users with third parties. Strava and Fitbit, for example, are among the most aggressive, each by collecting more than 20 different types of information, including health and personal metrics and identifiers, such as and -mail and accurate details on the position.
Free applications are particularly problematic. Since they do not depend on the signatures, their revenue usually derive from the sale of information to advertisers, data brokers, insurers or even employers. In the end, the price of services is nothing more than user privacy.
How to protect you
Fortunately, there are simple means to protect data using fitness app. Below are some recommendations of experts.
- Use a safe connection. During synchronization or sending training data, it is important to consider the use of a reliable private virtual network service (VPN). Using the best VPN Brazil, the user adds a level of encryption that protects their data to be intercepted in public Wi-Fi from gyms and sports centers.
- Pay attention to authorizations. You should not give fitness application access to contacts, camera or position if it does not need these data.
- Choose the applications focused on privacy. Some platforms, such as Centr, collect minimal data only compared to the giants in the sector.
- Privilege paid versions. Research shows that free applications are many more likely to share your data with third parties.
Who buys data from fitness apps?
Many are interested in the data provided by health and training applications. A large example are the health plans, which can evaluate data such as the body mass index, sleep cycles and training frequency to calculate risk profiles and, consequently, increase the value of taxes.
Obviously, advertising companies are another goal. With the information collected, they can promote targeted campaigns trying to sell from nutritional supplements to sports products.
In addition to these more “legitimate” purposes, criminals can also benefit from identity data to apply users and fraud to users. And this is precisely the reason why the aforementioned measures are so important.
Fitness applications can motivate and enable users, but also have hidden costs. Behind each performance graph or caloric meter can be a vast network of collection and monetization of the data that meets the interests of its users. Therefore, it is essential to have selectivity with the applications used and, above all, be cautious with the authorizations granted.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
