Samsung Health AI Data Row

Samsung Health’s AI Data Request Sparks Controversy

Samsung has found itself in hot water with fans of its Samsung Health app after a request for user health data to help train its AI models backfired. The issue arose when users of the app were greeted with a pop-up asking them to consent to having their health data used to train Samsung’s AI models, with the wording implying that those who declined might be unable to sync their data with the app going forward.

The controversy led to Samsung issuing a clarification, stating that the consent is optional and can be withdrawn at any time. The statement read: “We would like to inform you about the Consent to the use of health data for AI training and modeling, which is newly being collected through the update in July 2026. Samsung Health operates a separate consent process for health information used for AI development purposes to ensure that customers’ health information is managed more safely and transparently.”

The row highlights the growing importance of AI in the fitness tracking market, with devices like the Fitbit Air and Apple Watch Series 10 incorporating AI-driven features to help users better understand their health data. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, set to be unveiled at the Samsung Unpacked event on 22 July, are also likely to feature advanced AI capabilities.

As the AI industry continues to expand, with the likes of Gemini and Siri AI, it’s no surprise that Samsung is seeking to improve its own AI models. However, the company must ensure that it is transparent and clear in its requests for user data, as the recent controversy demonstrates.

The use of AI in fitness tracking is becoming increasingly prevalent, with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPad Air M2 being used in conjunction with fitness trackers to provide a more comprehensive picture of a user’s health. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies like Samsung balance the need for user data with the need for transparency and clarity.