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Introduction
Wearable technology has rapidly become part of our daily lives, tracking our steps, monitoring our sleep, and even capturing our biometric signals. From smartwatches to smart glasses, these devices promise convenience and health insights — but at what cost? A new report by VPNMentor exposes an alarming reality: many popular wearables are quietly collecting and sharing your private data with advertisers, affiliates, and possibly even for training artificial intelligence. While some brands prioritize transparency and data security, others fall short, raising serious concerns about privacy in the age of connected devices.
the Original
A recent VPNMentor study revealed that several major wearable tech brands are aggressively sharing user data, often with little transparency. Meta emerged as one of the worst offenders, with its Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest headsets flagged for their invasive practices. The report states that Meta collects biometric information and uses it for ad targeting, offering minimal user opt-outs. With over 2 million Ray-Bans already sold and Meta projecting 10 million more sales by 2026, this could mean massive amounts of personal media being used to fuel AI models.
Samsung also ranked poorly, with its Galaxy Watch Series criticized for using customer data to power personalized advertising. Meanwhile, Xiaomi and Huawei were highlighted for sharing user information with affiliates and business partners, practices that essentially force customers to give up significant rights to their own data.
On the flip side, some wearable companies were praised for strong privacy protections. Apple, Oura, and Whoop, along with brands like Withings, Coros, Dexcom, and Medtronic, earned “excellent” ratings. These companies were noted for avoiding data sales, providing transparency, and giving users greater control over their information — including the ability to delete it.
The report categorized brands into four tiers: poor, moderate, good, and excellent. A “poor” rating indicated extensive data sharing, weak protections, and little transparency. “Excellent” meant robust privacy practices, strong security, and minimal data exchange.
The study arrives just as Meta prepares to launch its Hypernova smart glasses, rumored to feature a neural wristband and a heads-up display. If concerns about data misuse prove valid, millions of new users could unknowingly contribute to Meta’s AI training ecosystem.
The research underscores a broader issue: wearable tech monitors users continuously, around the clock. Even with strong security, risks of hacking, breaches, and exploitation remain. Without proper safeguards, sensitive data could fall into the hands of insurers, advertisers, or even governments. Meta, Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi did not respond to the report’s findings.
What Undercode Say:
The findings from VPNMentor’s study highlight a crucial crossroads in wearable technology: innovation versus privacy. While these devices promise convenience and personalized insights, the trade-off is often hidden in lengthy, jargon-heavy privacy policies that few consumers read.
Meta’s Risky Gamble
Meta’s dominance in the wearable market with Ray-Bans and Quest headsets is concerning because of its track record with data monetization. The fact that biometric data is being used for ad targeting pushes the boundaries of acceptable corporate behavior. Unlike traditional data such as browsing history, biometric information is deeply personal and virtually impossible to change once compromised. If Meta’s smart glasses are truly being used to train AI models, this raises ethical and legal questions about consent, ownership of media, and the commercialization of personal experiences.
Samsung’s Advertising Dilemma
Samsung, a trusted electronics giant, risks eroding customer loyalty by integrating wearable data directly into its advertising ecosystem. Personalized ads may seem harmless at first, but they rely on the systematic profiling of individuals — effectively turning private health and activity metrics into marketing tools. This creates a slippery slope where convenience is purchased at the cost of autonomy.
Huawei and Xiaomi’s Global Concerns
For Huawei and Xiaomi, the issue extends beyond privacy. These companies operate in regions where government influence over corporate data practices is more significant. Sharing user data with affiliates or third parties opens the door for geopolitical concerns, especially regarding how personal data may be accessed, stored, or used across borders.
The “Safe” Players
Apple, Oura, and Whoop have positioned themselves as safer alternatives. Apple, in particular, has made privacy a cornerstone of its brand identity. Oura and Whoop, with their focus on wellness and fitness, have gained trust by limiting data-sharing practices. For consumers, this demonstrates that it is possible to innovate in wearable tech without sacrificing user privacy. These companies prove that strong security and minimal data collection can coexist with profitability.
The Consumer Blind Spot
One of the most pressing issues is consumer awareness. Most users are either unaware of how much data is being collected or feel powerless to act against it. When companies bury data-sharing clauses in legal fine print, users effectively sign away rights without informed consent. This asymmetry of power tilts the balance heavily in favor of corporations.
The Future of Wearables
As wearable technology evolves — with neural interfaces, smart rings, and AI-powered health monitoring on the horizon — the debate over privacy will only intensify. Governments may step in with stricter regulations, similar to Europe’s GDPR, forcing greater accountability. Until then, consumers need to make informed choices by selecting brands that prioritize transparency and limit unnecessary data use.
The real question becomes: should convenience, health insights, and futuristic gadgets come at the price of personal privacy? Or will consumer demand push companies toward more ethical, privacy-first models? The answer may determine the future trajectory of the wearable industry.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ VPNMentor did publish a report ranking wearable brands by data-sharing practices.
✅ Meta, Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi were rated poorly for privacy.
✅ Apple, Oura, and Whoop were recognized for strong privacy protections.
📊 Prediction
As wearable adoption continues to rise, expect regulators to intensify scrutiny over data-sharing practices. By 2027, it is likely that privacy-focused brands like Apple and Oura will gain a competitive edge, while companies such as Meta and Samsung may face legal challenges or consumer backlash. Wearable tech will not disappear — but the winners will be the brands that can balance innovation with genuine user trust.
🕵️📝✔️Let’s dive deep and fact‑check.
References:
Reported By: www.zdnet.com
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