Samsung Electronics has issued a clarification regarding the use of Samsung Health data for artificial intelligence training and modelling after users raised concerns over a consent notice that appeared in the app last week.
Some Samsung Health users reported receiving a notification asking for permission to allow their health data to be used for AI development purposes. The notice stated that users could withdraw their consent, but it also suggested that doing so would result in the deletion of their health data and prevent syncing with their Samsung account.
The wording sparked criticism among users concerned about data privacy and control over their personal health information.
Samsung Separates AI Training Data From Health Service Data
In a new in-app notice, Samsung clarified that the data collected for AI training and modelling is separate from the information used to provide Samsung Health services.
The company explained that if users withdraw consent, any data collected specifically for AI development purposes will be deleted and will no longer be used for training or modelling.
Samsung also confirmed that existing health information stored for Samsung Health services will remain unchanged and will not be deleted.
Samsung Updates Consent Notice for Greater Clarity
The company said it is improving the wording of the consent message to ensure users receive clearer and more accurate information about how their data is collected and used.
Samsung’s updated explanation aims to address confusion caused by the original notification, which some users interpreted as meaning their entire Samsung Health history could be removed if they declined AI data usage.
Cloud Sync Concerns Remain Unclear
While Samsung addressed concerns about AI training data, it did not directly explain whether withdrawing consent would affect cloud syncing features.
However, according to SamMobile, users who withdrew their consent reportedly continued to have access to cloud sync, suggesting that Samsung Health account syncing remains available despite opting out of AI data collection.
The clarification comes as technology companies increasingly expand the use of artificial intelligence while facing growing scrutiny over how personal data, particularly sensitive health information, is collected, stored and used.