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Fitness Apps Track More Than You Think
14 Jan
Summary
- Some fitness apps collect sensitive data like race and fertility details.
- Fitbit collects 24 data types, 19 considered beyond app functionality.
- Strava shares data for tracking and has privacy issues, like revealing military bases.
As many users adopt new fitness apps for their 2026 health goals, a recent study highlights significant data collection practices. Fitness applications are logging and sharing personal information, some of which is quite sensitive. Surfshark's analysis of 16 top fitness apps revealed varying degrees of data harvesting.
Fitbit tops the list, collecting 24 distinct data categories, including sensitive and advertising data, with 19 deemed unnecessary for app operation. Strava follows closely, collecting 21 data types, none essential for its core function, and shares data for tracking, despite past privacy incidents like exposing military bases. Nike Training Club also collects extensive data, including sensitive types, and uses it for tracking.
While some apps collect minimal data, like Centr with only three types, users must remain vigilant. The extensive data collection by fitness apps, coupled with the potential for privacy breaches and the lack of specific data protection in regions like the US, underscores the need for user awareness and proactive privacy management.
