I received a notification on my iPhone running IOS 16.7 this AM from Fitbit asking me to set advanced tracker functionality to "Always Allow". Note that this is different from Location Services.
In IOS 16.7, there is a setting in Settings/Privacy & Security/Tracking/"Allow Apps to Request to Track ON/OFF". In IOS 17 Settings/Safari/Advanced/Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection you can turn tracking on or off. I don't see a tracking option in IOS that matches the Fitbit request, e.g., I don't see a tracker setting that has an "Always Allow" so I can't be positive of which tracking function they want turned on.
Just like we all have unique fingerprints that can be used to identify us, companies track our browsing habit and combine them with other data, including our hardware, software, extensions, and preferences, to create a digital fingerprint. Digital fingerprinting is harmful to our online privacy, as it allows companies to track us with precision, even when we clear our browsing data and history. Digital fingerprinting is far worse than cookies that websites install on your browser, as there’s no visible way to see the algorithms that run in the background and fingerprint you.
Although I can't be sure of what tracking function Fitbit wants me to turn on, I am disturbed that Fitbit is even asking me to turn on any tacking function. Why does Fitbit need to know if I am searching for a new TV in a browser or have an app for Paypal installed on my phone? It is none of their business. Recall that Google recently purchased Fitbit and I have to wonder if Google did so to gain access to information on me to enhance their ad revenues rather than to support health and fitness through technology.
Am I missing something, being overly concerned? I'm seriously considering migrating away from Fitbit.
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