FYI: Pedometers sponsored by health programs are tracking devices

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ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
14,946
1,077
126
It's really gotten of out of hand at how companies make money behind the scenes using data they have no business having or selling. Of course since the government wants the data too and could give 2 shits about the privacy of civilians they aren't about to pass any laws against it. :thumbsdown:
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
59,472
9,993
126
This isn't the government. Yet...

The government likes to take data from the private sector, and why shouldn't they? Someone else does the work, and spends the money, and they get the data. The worst part is people voluntarily give it up without a single fuck given.
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
hmm. i can see them keeping track of where you are at work. but once your shift ends? fuck that they can go fuck a goat.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
we sniffed the data that is getting sent and it contains all the information about the PC that got the info from the pedometer. stuff like Name, Ram, disk space, IP settings, programs installed and other data that frankly is none of the monitoring sites business.

This is the kind of thing that you could prove if you wanted to, and if it is true. But you didn't. So why would I believe you?

This would be more interesting if you claimed the pedometer contained a GPS. But you're worried because the number of steps you took might be uploaded with someone else's computer?
 

SaurusX

Senior member
Nov 13, 2012
993
0
41
My last company did the pedometer thing, too, though I don't think it was quite so invasive. Truthfully, I don't know for sure, because I'm sure no one checked what was being uploade and the entire concept seemed so stupid I didn't go in for it. Rage against the machine.
 

SearchMaster

Diamond Member
Jun 6, 2002
7,791
114
106
This. Went in for my annual physical at work a few years ago, and the PA doing it is counseling me on my weight. Granted, at 6'1" ~200, I was about 10 lbs over the theoretical "ideal" weight.

I was also 7% bodyfat according to my exercise physiologist's most recent assessment, with a BP in the 110s over about 70, heart rate in the 50's and total cholesterol around 130.

I wanted to say "You're right, I do need a little more definition in my abs,"

Idiot.

Crazy me, having a job where I wear 50-70lbs of protective gear at times, plus whatever equipment I need to do my job, or lift/carry/rescue people, I thought strength training might be a good idea....

Averages might tell you a lot about a group as a whole, but very little about the individual you are dealing with.

While BMI is not a good indicator of overall health, extra weight of fat or muscle does strain the body. I don't know if there's been a good study on risks versus benefits long-term though. I'm surprised the PA said anything - my BMI and BF% is higher than yours and the doctor has never had anything but positives to say about my health. While I need to lose 10 pounds or so, I'm sure I'm still in the top 10% of my age group in terms of BF%.
 

SMOGZINN

Lifer
Jun 17, 2005
14,339
4,614
136
Would make a fun story to tell once you get out of jail. :p

You mean IF you get out of jail. Remember that all they have to do is accuse you of being a terrorist and they can toss you in a secret prison and hold you there forever with no trial and no recourse.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
While BMI is not a good indicator of overall health, extra weight of fat or muscle does strain the body. I don't know if there's been a good study on risks versus benefits long-term though. I'm surprised the PA said anything - my BMI and BF% is higher than yours and the doctor has never had anything but positives to say about my health. While I need to lose 10 pounds or so, I'm sure I'm still in the top 10% of my age group in terms of BF%.

Mass is mass as far as BMI is concerned. And simply put, added mass *IS* a value of several other risk factors that go into predicting heart disease and strokes. There are a lot of 20-30 something gym rats running around that are jacked up muscle heads. But how many guys that are 40-50 do you see looking like that? Not many. Most end up injured/washed up/burnt out and turn into fat guys or end up dead of a stroke or heart attack at 50. Fat or muscle, it's still extra mass your heart needs to pump blood to/through and adds stress on the cardio system.
 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,768
29
91
Sorry folks, but "privacy" is a myth. Someone out there knows when you took your last dump, ate your last Big Mac, and shopped at Costco/Walmart/Sears. What they do all this info is beyond our control, but if you think you are protecting anything, think again.
 
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Deeko

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
30,213
12
81
Fitbit also will wirelessly upload any time you're near any transmitter - I've had mine update in random places before. I've never actually looked at the data that gets transmitted to Fitbit - I wouldn't be surprised if its similar. Either way, while I understand the concern, I highly doubt your employer is actually using that data to track you - they probably don't even know that additional data is even being collected, unless this pedometer is something they built in house.
 

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
This is the kind of thing that you could prove if you wanted to, and if it is true. But you didn't. So why would I believe you?

This would be more interesting if you claimed the pedometer contained a GPS. But you're worried because the number of steps you took might be uploaded with someone else's computer?

I really dont care if you believe me or not

You do not see how computer data uploaded from many pc's could be used to track you?
 

brandonb

Diamond Member
Oct 17, 2006
3,731
2
0
The government likes to take data from the private sector, and why shouldn't they? Someone else does the work, and spends the money, and they get the data. The worst part is people voluntarily give it up without a single fuck given.

Exactly.

I was called by the state tax man about 4 years ago. He was wondering why I didn't file my state taxes. I said I lived out of state that year with a job located out of state.

He said "Well, according to your credit card and bank records you were here part of the year." I asked "How did you get my bank records?" He then got all pissy with me for questioning him. I told him I lived in the state part of the year but I was unemployed and had no income. Hence the reason I moved out of state... To get a job... He got off my back and said "If that is the truth you have nothing to worry about, otherwise you're going to hear from me again."

Like I was a freaking criminal.

I'm still pissed about it. Not sure how to prevent my bank and credit card companies from giving my info to the state of minnesota.
 
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unokitty

Diamond Member
Jan 5, 2012
3,346
1
0
... bunch of overbearing invasive shit.

While I agree with you, I don't think that this type of lack of privacy is unusual.

Didn't McAfee just get outed by the XGIF info in an iPhone photo?

The real question is "who makes the rules." And in your case, the business you work for is making the rules...

If you're interested in this topic, you might take eight minutes to view this Bruce Schneier video.

And congratulations on not selling out your privacy for $350.

Uno
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,553
942
126
I just got an e-mail from our HR department. They are promoting wearing one of these fitbit transmitters.

Introducing HEALTHY U


Are you ready to get fit for 2013?
What better way than to join the 2013 HEALTHY U Walking Program. It’s easy! All you have to do is walk.

You can join a group of coworkers to walk at lunch, walk on your own or with your family and friends. The program is very flexible, you can walk anywhere and anytime that fits into your schedule.

The program will track your daily steps with a FitBit smart pedometer that logs your steps taken and stairs climbed each day. The data is gathered by syncing your pedometer to a [snip]company name[/snip] Wellness Program database. The goal is for all members to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. For participants that are not as active in the beginning, the program will be able to track improvement on a daily basis. Incentives, prizes and challenges will be available as motivation throughout 2013.
Can U …
· Commit to walking or building up to 10,000 steps a day throughout 2013
· Properly care for and maintain a FitBit smart pedometer
· Access a computer on a regular basis to report your FitBit data

If you can make the commitment to join the HEALTHY U Walking program for 2013 come to Human Resources before 1/10/13 to complete a registration form. Further details will be communicated as we get closer to the official program kick off in February.
 

Ns1

No Lifer
Jun 17, 2001
55,420
1,600
126
I just got an e-mail from our HR department. They are promoting wearing one of these fitbit transmitters.

[/SIZE]


If you can get it for a discounted price (~$35) you can flip it on eBay for ~85.

That's what I did :D
 

Phanuel

Platinum Member
Apr 25, 2008
2,304
2
0
10,000 steps = 4-5 miles / day? lolAmericansdoing5miles/day? Never gonna happen.
 

kt

Diamond Member
Apr 1, 2000
6,032
1,348
136
My last company used this same device but doesn't work quite the same way you've described. An account is setup on the PC and all the pedometers are registered with the account. So the PC will only synch and upload data from pedometers that are registered with the account.
 

Sa7aN

Senior member
Aug 16, 2010
204
1
0
zip tie meter to paint shaker at lowes, put meter in metal box for rest of month?
 

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
454
126
It's scary the amount of privacy people are willing to give up today. Also the amount of pressure that is brought to make people comply.

Have you read the OP? They're not KNOWINGLY giving this up... it's sneaky hidden bullshit that lots of folks wouldn't put up with with but don't know about.
 

MtnMan

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2004
9,370
8,720
136
It's scary the amount of privacy people are willing to give up today. Also the amount of pressure that is brought to make people comply.
We even have government agencies that their only job is the removal of freedom and harassment of all citizens, even small children, staffed by an army of minions who couldn't get a job otherwise.

Oh, and they will steal your iPad or other toys and grope your junk and fondle your children while making you take your shoes off.

Guess who.......
TSA (Titty Squeezing Agency)
 
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JamesV

Platinum Member
Jul 9, 2011
2,002
2
76
attach pedometer to dog? 1000 points in 1 day

Even better, intercept the outgoing data and manipulate it before sending... show your path walking across Lake Michigan or in the house of the owner of the tracking business when he is not home, but his wife is. :D