Wearable devices are sharing your private data - these are the 5 worst offenders

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways Several wearable devices are sharing user data. The worst offenders include Meta, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei. Apple, Oura, and Whoop have some of the best data practices. Those shiny new Meta Ray-Bans might be uploading the media you're collecting to train its AI model, according to a new report by VPNMentor highlighting the data-sharing practices of the best and worst wearables. Meta and its Ray-Bans and Quest headsets were among the worst data-sharing contenders out of dozens of wearable devices, according to VPNMentor. The Quest headset uses biometric data for ads, and both Meta wearables offer users limited opt-outs, according to the report. Other poorly rated wearables include Samsung's Galaxy Watch Series due to its sharing of data for personalized ads, and Xiaomi and Huawei for sharing data with affiliates and partners -- with users waiving some rights to their data. Also: I've tested the Apple Watch, Oura Ring, and other sleep trackers - 5 tips to get the best results The research rated brands poor, moderate, good, or excellent, with "excellent" meaning that the company offers clear transparency, strong user control (like the option to delete personal data), minimal data sharing, and robust security practices. "Poor" means the company lacks transparency around data-sharing tactics, shares data extensively, and provides little data protection. The wearable brands with the most excellent data sharing practices include Apple, Oura, Whoop, Withings, Coros, Dexcom, and Medtronic. The report says that these brands do not sell the data they collect. The report's author writes: "While it's reassuring that the majority of the companies examined in this study refrain from sharing users' personally identifiable information, it's concerning that major players like Samsung, Fitbit, Huawei, and Xiaomi openly disclose personal data for advertising purposes -- particularly given their significant influence in the wearable tech market." Meta, Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also: Two subscription-free smart rings were just banned in the US - here's why VPNMentor's findings come right before Meta is set to unveil its Hypernova smart glasses at Meta Connect on September 17. The new smart glasses will reportedly include a heads-up display in one eye and a neural wristband for interface control. Over 2 million units of Meta Ray-Bans have already been sold, and Meta is preparing to sell around 10 million units of its smart glasses by the end of 2026. If VPNMentor's findings are true and Meta is indeed using its smart glasses to train an AI model, the smart glasses could be collecting millions and millions of media from its users. The research findings illustrate a key privacy issue in the wearable technology space. These devices are recording user behavior continuously, 24/7. In an era of endless security breaches and data hacks, data privacy is precarious at best when a company has good intentions and established security practices. At its worst, users' personal data could be sold to insurers, advertisers, or even doled out to the government.