Connecticut's attorney general has challenged Apple to prove the security of its new health-tracking smartwatch.
In a letter to CEO Tim Cook, George Jepsen requested a meeting with Apple to discuss concerns over how the Apple Watch collects information and what kind of data it stores.
Unveiled during a Sept. 9 event, the $349 timepiece is set for arrival early next year in three versions: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, or Apple Watch Edition.
As expected, the device boasts a "comprehensive view of your daily activity," including health summaries and fitness stats, which is stored in an accompanying iPhone app, and can be shared with Apple Health and third parties.
"We think it's going to help a lot of people live a better day and healthier life," Cook said during last week's presentation.
"I applaud the use of technology to encourage and facilitate personal health," AG Jepsen wrote in a letter dated Sept. 12, adding that he is "encouraged" by Apple's promise that personal information will be encrypted and users can decide which applications gain access to health data.
"However, questions remain concerning how privacy protections will be implemented and enforced," Jepsen continued.
According to the company's recently updated App Store Review Guidelines, HealthKit apps may not use data gathered from the HealthKit API for advertising or other data-mining purposes, and may not share user information without consent.
"This letter is an invitation for dialogue, not an accusation against Apple," Jepsen wrote.
Cupertino has engaged in preliminary communication with the AG's office, the AG's director of communications told PCMag, but no meetings have been established. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
For more, see PCMag's Hands On With the Apple Watch and the slideshow above. Also check out our lineup of 5 Wearables More Interesting Than the Apple Watch, as well as Why I Won't Buy an Apple Watch, and 5 Reasons the Apple Watch Is a Winner.