Samsung seems to be relying on AI for its health ecosystem but the move may need users to make big privacy decisions. As per multiple reports, the company has started rolling out a new consent prompt within the Samsung Health app which asks users whether they want to allow the health information to be used for AI training and model development.
The new notice which is titled as Consent to Use Medical Data for AI Training and Modeling and reportedly explains that some health information may be processed to improve Samsung’s AI powered health features. The company also notes that some data can be reviewed by humans during the development process.
As per the reports, the consent will need a wide range of sensitive health information stored in Samsung Health. It includes activity data, medical records, medication history and menstrual cycle information. The company says the information will be used to improve AI models that power personalised health reports, wellness recommendations and other smart health features.
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The company has also claimed that the data will be combined in a way that reduces the possibility of identifying the individual users, although it has not provided detailed information about how the anonymisation process works or whether the information could still be linked to a Samsung account.
The users can choose whether to participate via a new privacy setting inside Samsung Health. However, reports suggest declining the consent may come with notable limitations. Those who opt can lose Samsung Health cloud synchronisation via their Samsung Account, preventing health records from syncing across Galaxy devices. Samsung also reportedly warns that previously synced cloud data may be removed if consent is not granted, unless local regulations require the company to retain it.