# What the Garmin (Venu / Fenix / Forerunner) knows about you

Made by Garmin. 5 findings on record, 5 verified against primary sources. Every line is checked; a maker's claim is labeled as a claim, and we say so when nothing is on record.

## Data retention

In July 2020, Garmin was hit by ransomware that shut down its services for days. Reports say Garmin paid around $10 million in ransom to a sanctioned Russian criminal group. Garmin confirmed no customer data was accessed but never confirmed or denied the payment.

- Posture: Verified
- As of: 2020-07-23
- Source: WIRED: Garmin Paid a Ransom to Evil Corp After Being Warned Not To, August 2020 (https://www.wired.com/story/garmin-pay-evil-corp-ransomware-ofac/)

## Location tracking

GPS route data is permanently stored in Garmin Connect with no opt-out short of disabling GPS, which removes core fitness tracking. Records from 10 or more years ago remain accessible with no built-in retention limit.

- Posture: Verified
- As of: 2024-01-01
- Source: Garmin Connect (activity history, no deletion timer) (https://connect.garmin.com/)

## Third-party sharing

The Garmin Health API lets employer wellness programs access your daily fitness, sleep, and stress data. Some programs tie fitness compliance to insurance premiums, and you may not realize what you authorized when signing up.

- Posture: Verified
- As of: 2024-01-01
- Source: Garmin Health API Overview (https://developer.garmin.com/health-api/overview/)

## Cloud upload

Garmin automatically uploads your location, speed, direction, and health data to servers in the US, UK, and Australia, and uses Adobe and SendGrid for additional data processing.

- Posture: Verified
- As of: 2026-06-16
- Source: primary source (https://www.garmin.sa/garmin-privacy/global/policy/)

## Data deletion control

You can request deletion of your data or your entire Garmin account through the Account Management Center. EEA, UK, and Switzerland residents also have a legal right of erasure under GDPR.

- Posture: Verified
- As of: 2026-06-16
- Source: primary source (https://www.garmin.sa/garmin-privacy/global/policy/)

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