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Contemporary Legal Aspects of Wearable Technologies in Sports

Urheilu ja oikeus 2024 s. 57–81
1.4.2025
Asiantuntija-artikkeli

The advent of wearable technologies and advanced data analytics have had a significant impact on the modern ways of working and living. While various devices of the kind have been in use since the mid-20th century, the technological development has accelerated significantly during the past decades. Wearables have evolved into miniature computers with a greatly enhanced capacity to collect and process large amounts of data, which many authors also have referred to as ‘mass data’ or ‘big data’. These devices are capable to form IoT environments where data is collected, processed, modified, and transferred swiftly and location-independently.

The sports industry has been one of the most prominent environments for utilising wearables. New innovations have enabled unprecedented insights into athletes’ performance, health, and overall wellbeing, fostering a data-driven approach to training and competition. Wearable devices, such as smart clothing, rings, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and 3D motion sensors can collect a plethora of data points, ranging from heart rate and movement patterns to sleep quality and recovery metrics. This wealth of information, when analysed through sophisticated algorithms, provides valuable insights that can, for instance, be utilised as part of enhancing athletes’ performances, preventing injuries, and optimising recovery processes.

While this article continues the academic discussion related to advanced digital technologies in sport, its scope is limited only to wearable devices and associated software. This is because these technologies are often more sensitive in terms of the nature of the data they are able to collect from individuals. Understanding the main interests and breaking down the key legal concepts related to these technologies may help outline development needs from both the regulators’ and the practitioners’ perspectives.

(Edilex editorial team)

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