Withings' little smart thermometer lets you take a temperature without coming in contact with the body, which is cool because sick people are sweaty. It's got a brightly lit display that can track the temperature readings of up to eight people. And it will sync temperature readings with the smartphone app automatically over WiFi so no need to Bluetooth sync. Based on your temperature and symptoms the app can recommend when it's time to take action. So, will Withings overshare with the world that you have a fever? Well, actually, their privacy looks pretty decent to us.
O que pode acontecer se algo der errado?
Withings says that “[r]espect for privacy is a core principle that we place at the heart of our strategy for developing our Products and Services.” Better, they seem to sincerely mean it. They actually apply the European Union's stronger privacy regulation GDPR all over the world, even in places they don't have to apply strong privacy laws. That's so cool! If more companies could do this we'd be so happy.
They don't sell your data and have an easy to read privacy policy. They don’t share your data except when they legitimately need to, like to supply you their products and services. They treat health data with extra caution (as they should!) and have the credentials to prove it. It’s super refreshing to see! Especially when ~certain brands~ can sometimes be more focused on marketing the fact that they care about your privacy than on actually protecting it.
We’re kinda speechless honestly since we usually use this space to air our grievances. Withings even created a handy guide about “How to manage and protect your Withings data.” This might be a first. It tells you about all of the health data that’s collected, how you can import more, how you can download it, delete it, and other helpful advice. It seems like Withings genuinely wants to put you in control of your health data which feels, sadly, super rare in the whole health-tracking space. Bravo, Withings! (They’re French.)
This is all great news for a device that takes your temperature because you don't need the world knowing just how hot you are (or if you have a fever).
Dicas para se proteger
- Check the comprehensive Privacy User guide to check all your options.
- Be very careful what third party companies you consent to share you health data with. If you do decided to share your health data with another company, read their privacy policy to see how they protect, secure, and share or sell your data.
- Do not sign up with third-party accounts. Better just log in with email and strong password.
- Chose a strong password! You may use a password control tool like 1Password, KeePass etc
- Use your device privacy controls to limit access to your personal information via app (do not give access to your camera, microphone, images, location unless necessary)
- Keep your app regularly updated
- Limit ad tracking via your device (eg on iPhone go to Privacy -> Advertising -> Limit ad tracking) and biggest ad networks (for Google, go to Google account and turn off ad personalization)
- Request your data be deleted once you stop using the app. Simply deleting an app from your device usually does not erase your personal data.
- When starting a sign-up, do not agree to tracking of your data if possible.
Pode me bisbilhotar?
Câmera
Dispositivo: Não
Aplicativo: Não
Microfone
Dispositivo: Não
Aplicativo: Não
Rastreia localização
Dispositivo: Não
Aplicativo: Sim
O que pode ser usado para se inscrever?
Sim
Celular
Não
Conta de terceiros
Não
Que dados a empresa coleta?
Pessoal
Name, surname(s), age, email address; in some cases your location Optional: profile picture
Relacionado ao corpo
Body temperature
Social
Como a empresa usa esses dados?
Como você pode controlar seus dados?
Qual é o histórico conhecido da empresa na proteção de dados dos usuários?
Withings was heavily criticized in 2023 for presenting the new product: Withings’ U-Scan, an in-home, WiFi-connected urinalysis device meant to soon read one’s urine composition for health factors regarding pH balance, nutrition, and even users’ menstrual cycles.
The product earned the CES ‘Worst in Show 2023’ award in 'Privacy' nomination - from PIRG, JerryRigEverything, iFixit, Repair.org, EFF, Consumer Reports, and SecuRepairs.
“The U-Scan is a body surveillance device that indefinitely stores your private health data, including information about pregnancy and fertility,” writes Caitlin Seeley George, campaign director for the digital privacy rights advocacy group, Fight for the Future.On Withings’ legal policy page, the company notes that they “may be compelled by the law to disclose your personal data to some authorities or other third parties, such as the the law enforcement or legal authorities.”
Informações de privacidade infantil
Este produto pode ser usado offline?
You will need either WiFi or Bluetooth to use this device.
Informações de privacidade fáceis de entender?
Links para informações de privacidade
Este produto atende aos nossos padrões mínimos de segurança?
Criptografia
Senha forte
Atualizações de segurança
Gerencia vulnerabilidades
Política de privacidade
Esta inteligência artificial não é confiável?
Que tipo de decisões a inteligência artificial faz sobre você ou por você?
A empresa é transparente sobre como funciona a inteligência artificial?
O usuário tem controle sobre os recursos da inteligência artificial?
Mergulhe mais fundo
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Withings raises $60m for AI-enabled wearableseeNews
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‘And the winner is…’ CES ‘Worst in Show 2023’ recipientsPIRG
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Privacy advocates are worried about a newly unveiled pee-analysis gadgetPopular Science
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