Privacy and Surveillance Capitalism in Metabolic Data

The Data Economy

CGM manufacturers collect vast amounts of personal health data. Understanding the implications is crucial.

What Data Is Collected

Direct Glucose Data

• Continuous readings 24/7
• Trend patterns and variability
• Time in range statistics

Inferred Information

Glucose patterns reveal:

• Meal timing and composition
• Sleep schedules
• Physical activity
• Stress levels
• Alcohol consumption

Who Controls Your Data?

The Key Question

Is your health data yours, or does it belong to the company providing the service?

Common Practices

• Data stored in company cloud servers
• Terms of service grant broad usage rights
• Anonymized data may be sold or shared

Potential Uses Beyond Care

Insurance Industry

• Risk assessment for policy pricing
• Claim validation
• Coverage decisions

Advertising

• Targeted health product marketing
• Food and beverage advertising
• Lifestyle product promotion

Research

• Population health studies
• Drug development
• AI training

Privacy Protection Measures

HIPAA (US)

Provides some protection for health data, but has gaps.

User Actions

• Read privacy policies carefully
• Understand data sharing settings
• Consider data minimization options

The Broader Context

As Shoshana Zuboff describes in "Surveillance Capitalism," personal data extraction for profit is a defining feature of the modern economy. Health data is particularly valuable—and sensitive.