Strava restricts sharing of fitness data with 3rd-party apps
21 Nov 2024

Popular fitness tracking platform Strava has updated its API terms to restrict the amount of data third-party apps can access.

The new policy, which comes into effect on November 11, prevents these apps from copying Strava's unique design and using its data for AI or machine learning.

The changes are aimed at giving users more control over their personal information and a consistent experience across platforms.

New API terms: A closer look
Policy details

Under the new terms, third-party apps will only be able to show a user's Strava activity data to that particular user.

The company has also clearly banned these apps from using any data accessed through its API in AI models or similar programs.

Further, additional terms have been added to protect Strava's unique look and feel, making it easier for users to differentiate between Strava and third-party platforms.

Impact of policy change on 3rd-party apps
User experience

Strava's policy change has also raised concerns among services like VeloViewer and Final Surge, which depend on Strava data to provide features like automatically updated leaderboards, personalized workouts, and "year in review" recaps.

Now, they may have to look for alternative means to offer these features.

However, Brian Bell, Strava's VP of Communications and Social Impact, told The Verge that they expect these changes to impact less than 0.1% of the apps on their platform.

Commitment to privacy and user control
Data protection

In a statement, Strava stressed on privacy and user control. The company wants to restrict how a user's data can be displayed by third-party apps in ways they may not expect.

This came after cases where users connect to a third-party app and don't realize their data is being surfaced not just for their own use/visibility but also to others (say, in a public feed/heatmap).

Stance on AI and data use
AI restrictions

While Strava believes in the potential of AI to transform the athlete experience, it insists that innovation must be handled responsibly with a firm focus on user control.

The company has decided to prohibit third-party developers from using data extracted from Strava users for training AI models.

This, they say, is because not all developers may take such a deliberate approach to training AI models, potentially compromising user control and privacy.