Ethical Issues Concerning the Use of Data from Commercially Available Wearable Sensors in Children

Wearable and mobile technology has advanced in leaps and bounds in the last decade with technological advances creating a role from enhancing healthy living to monitoring and treating disease. However, the discussion about the ethical use of such commercial technology, especially in minors, is lacking behind. In this paper, we will try and summarize the ethical issues arising from the usage of commercially available wearable technology in children, highlighting issues around the consent process, mitigation of risk and potential confidentiality and privacy issues, as well as the potential for therapeutic misconceptions when used in children with chronic conditions. The above will be additionally highlighted through a relevant thought experiment.