Technology & Innovation

Author: anonymDate: 2024-11-21 10:22:03

Strava restricts data sharing with external applications.

Any posts asking for Strava to change its route will be deleted.

Strava recently notified users and collaborators of new API terms limiting data visibility for third-party apps, prohibiting imitation of Strava's design, and banning data usage in "any model training related to artificial intelligence, machine learning or similar applications." This policy began November 11th, although Strava's announcement was November 15th. Effective November 11th, the updated API agreement includes three key alterations enhancing user control, security, and experience consistency: Enhanced Privacy Measures: Third-party apps can now only display a user's Strava activity data to that user. Users retain access to their personal Strava data across connected apps, although display variations may exist. Data Usage Restrictions: Our terms now explicitly forbid third parties from using data obtained via Strava's API in artificial intelligence models or similar uses. Safeguarding the Strava Experience: Added terms protect Strava's unique visual style, functionality, and user differentiation from third-party platforms.

In a statement to The Verge, Strava VP of Communications and Social Impact, Brian Bell, stated, “We expect these alterations will affect only a minuscule portion (less than 0.1 percent) of applications on the Strava platform—the vast majority of existing applications remain unaffected, including coaching platforms providing user feedback and tools aiding data and performance comprehension.” Strava's complete updated statement is available below. Ray Maker, also known as DCRainmaker, notes that Strava has extensively served as an intermediary for transmitting wearable data to other apps and services. According to Maker, “every single partner I’ve contacted in the last 24 hours has been completely surprised by this change,” receiving notification only via email on Friday with a 30-day adjustment period.

Now, services like VeloViewer and Final Surge may need to find alternative methods to offer features users explicitly request, such as automatically updated leaderboards, individualized training plans, and “year in review” summaries, even while Strava beta tests its AI-generated “Athlete Intelligence” summaries, which Maker describes as “vaguely positive but usually inaccurate.” TrainerRoad, an app providing “Effective, Science-Backed Workouts” using Strava data, has also addressed the change. In a forum post, Nate Pearson states, “This was unexpected news for us as well,” but indicated Garmin users could utilize Garmin Connect and that the team was integrating other platforms like Zwift and Wahoo.

Brian Bell, Strava VP of Communications and Social Impact:

We wanted to clarify the modifications to our API Agreement and their effects on users and developers. We project these changes will affect fewer than 0.1% of applications and proactively informed most affected parties last week. Improved Privacy and User Control Privacy and user control are paramount on our platform. Consequently, we are committed to evolving our API practices to reflect changing regulatory requirements and user expectations. This includes limiting the display of a user's data by third-party apps in unexpected ways. Specifically, we intend to carefully address situations where users connect to a third-party app unaware their data is shared beyond their own use and visibility, such as in public feeds or heatmaps. The recent API changes address this and establish a more consistent framework for Strava user data. AI Model Training We acknowledge AI's potential to improve the athlete experience—whether it's providing personalized insights, generating route or training suggestions, or numerous other uses. However, such innovation necessitates responsible development prioritizing user control. With our generative AI features, we commit to implementing considerate solutions with user control and opt-out capabilities. Third-party developers might not adopt such careful AI model training practices; thus, we believe prohibiting Strava user data usage in this way is best for the platform and users. Our prior terms already disallowed Strava user data in model training and development, but we've made this clearer given the field's growth. Minimal Developer Impact We understand our platform thrives due to the ingenuity and commitment of third-party developers creating tools extending Strava's functionality. We remain dedicated to nurturing this environment. We predict these changes will affect only a tiny fraction (less than 0.1%) of applications on the Strava platform—the vast majority of existing use cases remain permissible, including coaching platforms offering user feedback and tools enhancing data and performance comprehension.

Numerous social media posts criticize this sudden change; however, Strava's forums will not tolerate dissent. The company states, “...posts requesting or attempting to have Strava reverse business decisions will not be allowed.”