08/09/2026
Who owns the data generated by your wearable device?
It's a simple question, but the legal position is more complicated. Personal data is not something an individual simply “owns”. Instead, individuals have rights over their data, while organisations collecting and using it have responsibilities around how it is processed, shared and protected.
These issues were at the centre of our panel discussion as part of Glasgow Tech Week.
Chaired by David Gourlay, Partner in MFMac’s Manufacturing, Media & Technology team, the panel brought together Jude McCorry, CEO of Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland, and MFMac Legal Directors Melissa Hall and Michael Vaughan.
The discussion explored the distinction between health and wellbeing data and the protections that apply to each, as well as the additional safeguards that can apply to sensitive health data.
As wearable technology develops, understanding these rights and responsibilities will become increasingly important, particularly when it comes to how data is collected, shared and protected.
Thank you to our panellists and everyone who joined the discussion.