Data from fitness devices can be sold to 3rd parties, Sen Schumer contends

Runners and others aspiring to healthy lifestyles who use fitness-monitoring devices to track steps per day, calories burned and similar data should be aware their information can be sold to third parties, Sen Charles Schumer (D-NY) said.

Fitbit, which Sen Schumer called "one of the most well-known" devices, and similar others can violate users' privacy, he said at a news conference in Central Park as joggers and walkers streamed behind him. “Personal Fitbit bracelets and the data they collect on your health, your sleep, and your location should be just that -- personal -- not sold to a wide variety of other users," said Sen Schumer.

Sen Schumer called on the Federal Trade Commission to alert fitness device users that their data can be sold and allow them to immediately opt out.