What we know
Wearable sleep trackers that record brainwave data are being used by some companies to train artificial intelligence models. This data collection often occurs without users’ explicit consent. Reports indicate that tens of millions of hours of EEG (electroencephalogram) data have been gathered by wearable neurotechnology firms to develop and refine AI algorithms.
Why it matters
Sleep trackers with EEG sensors are becoming common tools for monitoring sleep quality and patterns. Using brainwave data to train AI could improve the accuracy and capabilities of these devices. However, the lack of clear user consent raises important privacy and ethical concerns about who controls sensitive neural data and how it is used beyond personal health monitoring.
What is still unknown
Details about which companies are involved, the specific AI models trained, and the exact scope of data usage remain unclear. There is no independent verification of the data’s accuracy or how well the AI performs. Information about user consent processes, data security measures, and potential regulatory oversight is also missing.