Provision record
Samsung · Samsung Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Biometric Data Collection

High severity Medium confidence Explicit document language Common · 290 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The policy discloses that Samsung collects biometric identifiers including fingerprints, facial geometry, and voice prints in connection with device authentication and certain product features.

This analysis describes what Samsung's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision discloses collection of biometric identifiers, which are among the most sensitive personal data categories under CCPA/CPRA and state biometric privacy laws. The scope of collection across the Samsung device ecosystem creates obligations regarding consent, retention schedules, and data sharing restrictions that vary by jurisdiction.

Interpretive note: The policy excerpt does not specify biometric data retention schedules or third-party sharing restrictions, creating ambiguity about full compliance with state biometric laws.

Recent Activity

This document changed recently

Medium Jul 22, 2026

The updated policy expands Samsung's data collection authority to include device registration, verification for repairs, and configuration of device settings. The terms now explicitly state that Samsung may collect card and transaction information if you apply for a Samsung-branded payment card. Samsung clarified that it will only send personalized marketing when you have provided consent, where required by law. The policy removed its previous statement that defective devices are wiped of personal information before analysis; the updated terms now state Samsung will analyze returned defective devices without that explicit pre-analysis data deletion commitment. For US residents, the policy now discloses rights to opt out of sale of personal information, sharing for cross-context behavioral advertising, targeted advertising processing, sensitive data collection or processing, and to request lists of third parties receiving your information.

View change record →

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
3
Months Monitored
May 21, 2026
First Seen
May 22, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 5149 other provisions on other platforms.

Change history

removed Jul 11, 2026

Removal of the general biometric data collection provision eliminates broad disclosure about fingerprint and facial geometry collection, though some biometric disclosure remains in the new face-clustering provision.

View full change record →

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

This provision establishes that Samsung collects biometric identifiers including fingerprints, facial geometry, and voice prints when users enable features such as device unlock or authentication. Under applicable state law, users in certain jurisdictions may have rights to limit collection or require deletion of biometric data.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Delete Your Data
    Navigate to Samsung's Privacy Portal at privacy.samsung.com, select the option to submit a data deletion request, and specify biometric data as the category of data you wish to have deleted.

How other platforms handle this

Square Medium

to request that your data be transferred to a third party (data portability)

Google Cloud Medium

Your organization may allow you to access and export your data in order to back it up or transfer it to a service outside of Google.

Roblox Medium

To stop us collecting your location information, you can update your device settings, stop using the Service, or uninstall our mobile apps.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Biometric Information: Fingerprints, facial geometry, voice prints, and other biometric identifiers that can be used to identify you. We may collect biometric information when you use certain features of our products and services, such as fingerprint or facial recognition for device unlock or authentication purposes.

Excerpt from Samsung's Privacy Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Biometric data collection is regulated under CCPA/CPRA as a sensitive personal information category requiring disclosure and opt-out rights.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • State Attorney General
    State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
    Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws — primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
    What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
    What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.

    Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form

Applicable regulations

CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
Samsung Privacy Policy
Entity
Samsung
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 21, 2026
Last verified
May 21, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-013006
Document ID
CA-D-00571
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
725625358ee9042eab2ca26d512e59bc2e112bd4e4334d518abda2c6489e1b01
Analysis generated
May 21, 2026 03:56 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Samsung
Document: Samsung Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-013006
Captured: 2026-05-21 03:56:36 UTC
SHA-256: 725625358ee9042e…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/samsung/samsung-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-013006/biometric-data-collection/
Accessed: Aug. 11, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

Other risks in this policy

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Samsung's Biometric Data Collection clause do?

This provision discloses collection of biometric identifiers, which are among the most sensitive personal data categories under CCPA/CPRA and state biometric privacy laws. The scope of collection across the Samsung device ecosystem creates obligations regarding consent, retention schedules, and data sharing restrictions that vary by jurisdiction.

How does this clause affect you?

This provision establishes that Samsung collects biometric identifiers including fingerprints, facial geometry, and voice prints when users enable features such as device unlock or authentication. Under applicable state law, users in certain jurisdictions may have rights to limit collection or require deletion of biometric data.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 290 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Samsung?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Samsung.