In brief: Singapore's government will give every citizen a free Fitbit, with a catch

In an effort to encourage a healthier lifestyle, Singapore’s government has partnered with Fitbit to offer its citizens free fitness trackers.
Under the country’s national health program — Live Healthy SG, hundreds of thousands of Singapore residents will soon be able to register to get a free Fitbit Inspire HR.
The activity band itself, which has a S$99 price tag, won’t cost a dime. However, in exchange, users will have to subscribe to Fitbit’s premium coaching service, which costs S$10 a month, for a year, according to CNBC.
On top of that, Singaporeans will have to agree to share whatever data the Fitbit collects with the country’s health board.
The data will shape future health programs as well as “enrich” the Board’s promos through relevant and practical insights, Singapore’s Promotion Health Board said.
On privacy, Fitbit claims that there will be a “clear and seamless consent process” and enrolled residents will know precisely what data they’re sharing with the government.
While participants won’t have an opt-out option specifically for data sharing, enrollment in the program will remain optional.
Singapore has a growing population of 5.6 million and Fitbit is expected to supply hundreds of thousands of fitness bands.
Singaporeans can pre-register for Live Healthy SG in September and the program is officially slated to debut in late October.

In brief: Singapore’s government will give every citizen a free Fitbit, with a catch