U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Dave McCormick have requested an FCC investigation into security risks linked to Chinese-manufactured health wearables and fitness trackers. The lawmakers warn that Chinese cybersecurity laws could allow Beijing to access sensitive biometric data collected from American consumers, especially senior citizens.

Security Risks

The congressional inquiry targets consumer wearables and medical monitors that rely on technology manufactured in China. According to the senators, these devices constantly collect highly personal biometric data, including heart rates, blood sugar levels, physical locations, and sleep patterns.

The lawmakers pointed out that the global market for these devices is dominated by Chinese manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Huawei, and Zepp Health, which markets Amazfit smartwatches in the United States. A June 2025 peer-reviewed study found that Xiaomi and Huawei had the highest privacy risk scores out of 17 wearable manufacturers analyzed.

Concerns for Senior Citizens

This data security threat is a particular concern for senior citizens, who increasingly rely on specialized medical wearables to live independently. The investigation covers several categories of products, including Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) fall-detection pendants, remote blood pressure monitors, smart hearing aids, and continuous glucose monitors used by diabetics.

Scott and McCormick have requested that the FCC provide a formal briefing to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging regarding these risks. They are also asking the commission to evaluate whether these specific products and Chinese-manufactured transmitters should be added to the federal “Covered List,” which would effectively ban them from the U.S. market.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.