Strava limits the sharing of physical activity data with other apps.
Strava is modifying the terms of the agreement.
Strava has recently communicated to its users and partners that new terms for its API will be implemented to restrict the information that third-party applications can display. These updates also prevent the replication of Strava’s appearance and prohibit the use of data to train artificial intelligence, machine learning, or similar models. This policy will take effect on November 11, although Strava's official announcement regarding this change dates back to November 15.
Starting from November 11, the new API agreement introduces three key modifications aimed at providing Strava users with greater control, security, and a consistent experience:
- Enhanced Privacy Standards: Third-party applications will only be allowed to display Strava activity data to specific users. Users will continue to have access to their personal data in applications connected to the platform, although there may be variations in how this data is presented.
- Data Usage Limitations: The new terms explicitly prohibit third parties from using data obtained through the Strava API to create artificial intelligence models or similar applications.
- Protection of the Strava Experience: Additional terms have been added to protect the unique appearance, functionality, and experience of Strava, making it easier for users to distinguish between Strava and other platforms.
Brian Bell, Strava's Vice President of Communications and Social Impact, remarked that these changes are expected to affect a small fraction (less than 0.1%) of the applications on the Strava platform. Most existing use cases will still be permitted, including training platforms focused on providing feedback and tools that help users understand their data and performance.
Ray Maker, known in the industry as DCRainmaker, stated that Strava has acted as an intermediary for transferring data collected by wearable devices to other applications. According to Maker, "every partner I’ve spoken to in the last 24 hours has been completely shocked by this change," with the notification arriving via email only 30 days in advance to make adjustments. This means that services like VeloViewer and Final Surge will have to seek alternative solutions to continue offering features demanded by Strava users, such as automatically updated rankings, personalized training, and annual summaries, while Strava is conducting tests of its AI-generated summary feature called "Athlete Intelligence."
One of the applications that relies on Strava data is TrainerRoad. In its forum, Nate Pearson from TrainerRoad expressed that this announcement was shocking for them but suggested that Garmin users might use Garmin Connect instead and mentioned they were already working on integrating other platforms like Zwift and Wahoo.
Brian Bell added that Strava is committed to adapting to user expectations and regulations, limiting how data can be displayed by third-party applications, especially those that may expose user information to others. They confirmed that although there are many complaints on social media about this sudden transition, discussions in Strava's forums about attempts to reverse business decisions will not be permitted.
