Dive Brief:
- Fitbit has hired lobbyists Heather Podesta + Partners (the firm used by Snapchat after a data breach this year) to deal with uncertainty on the Hill surrounding the company's health data privacy policies. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) recently spoke out regarding the potential for health data to be sold to third parties, but Fitbit claims the move is not related.
- Private information including location and exercise regimen is collected on FitBit and other wearable devices. Legislators have voiced concern that device companies will sell information to groups like insurers, where the data could be used to discriminate against beneficiaries. Schumer has urged the Federal Trade Commission to create laws protecting users' privacy.
- Fitbit reported it has never sold personal data, but has amended its privacy policy to ensure that is clear. In 2011, Fitbit accidentally shared users' sexual activity online.
Dive Insight:
The growth of health tracking devices is increasing the privacy scrutiny on the associated software. A recent study by Parks Associates reported that the number of devices sold is expected to hit 22 million this year, up from 6.6 million in 2012.
After Fitbit released its amended privacy policy, Schumer said in a statement that the business' customers can "breathe a sigh of relief" because it is showing its dedication to data privacy.
"We are urging all other fitness-tracking companies to follow Fitbit's lead and adopt similar privacy policies," Schumer said.
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