A number of different devices, including smart phones, smart watches or other fitness trackers (Fitbit, Nike+) keep track of how far we walk, how many flights of stairs we climb and how many hours and how well we sleep at night. This type of data is not only extremely personal and revealing, but the data is also extremely valuable. As we begin to track our exercise and sleep patterns with wearable devices to better understand our health, it’s important to ask: where is our fitness and sleep data going?
For instance, according to CNN Money, the life insurance company John Hancock announced that they would start offering discounts on insurance plans if individuals would “wear a fitness tracker that measures your footsteps, heart rate or body movements.” If individuals sign up for the plan with John Hancock, then they will receive a free Fitbit monitor. The program is designed to encourage customers to live healthier lives, which would benefit the customer and the insurance company’s bottom line.
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