C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Meta sent an email to Meta Quest headset owners announcing that it would begin collecting “anonymized” data after the next software update.
- Data includes information about hand and body movements, eye tracking, the physical environment, and more.
- The company claims to use data to build better experiences.
Meta’s Quest headsets are some of the most popular VR devices on the market. However, privacy concerns are keeping some people away from this brand. Meta’s latest announcement will do nothing to assuage those feelings.
Meta has already disclosed that it collects certain types of data on its Quest platform for its Help Center. This data is said to be used to “ensure that Meta Quest products operate as intended, implement configurations, and maintain safety, security, and integrity.” However, it looks like some changes are coming in the near future.
according to ars technica, Meta sent an email to Quest owners about the data collection changes they received. After rolling out its next software update, Meta will reportedly begin collecting and aggregating “anonymized data” related to device usage, including hand and body movements, eye tracking, physical environment, and more. The social media giant says this data will be used to “build better experiences and improve MetaQuest products.”
The help page, also updated Monday, lists the types of data the company typically collects. This includes Bluetooth connection status, errors and crashes, hardware performance, credentials, and more.
There are types of data collection that you can opt out of, such as feature and product performance analysis. However, it is unclear whether you will be able to opt out of the new data collection that will be implemented in the next update.
Meta emphasizes that this data is anonymous, so no individuals will be identified. However, anonymous information has been linked to personally identifiable information before.
