AI health gadgets at CES raise accuracy and privacy concerns

Devices shown at CES featured AI health tools, and experts warned about accuracy limits and consumer data protections as federal regulators move to relax rules for some low-risk wellness products.

AI-powered health gadgets were displayed at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. Exhibits included devices that scan heart signals and a home hormone tracker that analyzes samples with AI. Experts at the event expressed concern about the accuracy of consumer health products and about how data from those devices is handled. Federal agencies have signaled they will relax oversight for some low-risk wellness products. Key facts: - The Food and Drug Administration announced it will relax regulations for certain "low-risk" general wellness products, as reported at the show. - CES booths highlighted devices aimed at women's health, rural health access, and accessibility needs, including a hormone tracker and a wearable that monitors perimenopause symptoms. - Experts and digital-rights advocates warned that AI tools can produce incorrect results or reflect bias, and that consumer device data is generally not covered by HIPAA. - Makers of the products said they use AI to analyze data and that user information is stored in the cloud and not shared, according to remarks at CES. Summary: The devices on display illustrate potential benefits for access and research alongside concerns about measurement accuracy and data handling. Regulators have signaled looser oversight for some devices, and companies have defended their privacy practices. Undetermined at this time.