Withings Body Smart Scales
Review date: 11/02/2020
For those of us who don't live with a doctor, there's this series of scales. They do everything from weigh you to measure your heart rate, water percentage, bone and muscle mass. It takes all that very personal information and shares it with an app on your phone where you can set up personalized programs to keep your weight right where you want it. If you have the willpower, that is.
What could happen if something goes wrong
Withings seems to do a good job protecting your privacy and security. They don't share or sell your data and have an easy to read privacy policy. Which is great for a device that knows how much you weigh, what your body fat percentage is, and how much water you are retaining. No one but you really needs to know all that.
Privacy
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: No
App: No
Tracks Location
Device: No
App: Yes
What is required to sign up?
Yes
Phone
No
Third party account
No
What data does it collect?
Personal
Name, age, email, phone number, address, birthdate
Biometric
Weight, body mass index, body fat, skeletal muscle mass
Social
How does it use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record for protecting users’ data?
No known incidents in the last 2 years.
Can this product be used offline?
User friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Security
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Uses encryption in transit and at rest.
Strong password
You access the device through the Withings HealthMate app, which requires a unique password at the start.
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Privacy policy
The Withings Privacy Policy is clearly laid out, and uses a series of icons to help people understand the data collection and use.
