Samsung Clears Misunderstanding Regarding Health Data Used for AI Training

Samsung has issued a clarification after some Samsung Health users raised concerns over a notice asking them to allow their health data to be used for AI training and modeling.

The notice appeared inside the Samsung Health app and told users they could withdraw consent. However, the wording suggested that refusing permission could lead to the deletion of health data and stop syncing with a Samsung account. This led to criticism from users who feared they were being forced to choose between privacy and cloud backup.

AI Training Data is Separate

Samsung has now published an in-app notice explaining that the health data collected for AI training and modeling is separate from the data used to provide Samsung Health services.

According to the clarification, if a user withdraws consent, Samsung will delete only the data collected separately for AI development purposes. That data will also no longer be used for AI training and modeling.

Samsung said the existing health data stored for normal Samsung Health services will not be deleted or affected.

Original Notice Caused Confusion

The issue started when users saw a consent prompt titled “Consent to the Use of Health Data for AI Training and Modelling.”

The notice said Samsung could use health data to improve Samsung Health, including health-analysis algorithms and AI features. The data could also be subject to human review when required.

Reports said the covered data included activity, sleep, nutrition, body measurements, medication information, medical records, and menstrual-cycle tracking data.

The concern grew because the earlier wording warned users that withdrawing consent would stop health data syncing with their Samsung account and that their health data would be deleted unless Samsung was legally required to retain it.

Cloud Sync Reportedly Still Works

Samsung’s new clarification did not directly address every concern about cloud sync.

However, SamMobile reported that Samsung Health cloud syncing continued to work after withdrawing consent during its own testing. The Samsung Cloud sync toggle also remained enabled.

This suggests the original notice may have been poorly worded rather than an accurate explanation of how the feature works.

Samsung to Improve the Notice

Samsung said it is improving the wording of the notice so users can understand the information more clearly and accurately.

The clarification should reduce concerns for users who want to keep using Samsung Health without allowing their data to be used for AI training.

Still, the incident shows how sensitive health data remains a major concern as companies add more AI features to fitness and wellness apps.