Oura, the Finnish company known for its smart health-tracking rings, has recently drawn public attention after announcing a new manufacturing facility in Texas aimed at meeting the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The partnership, which has existed since 2019, became more widely discussed following the August 27 announcement, leading to growing privacy concerns among users.

The company stated that the expansion will allow it to strengthen its U.S. operations and support ongoing defense-related projects. However, the revelation that the DoD is Oura’s largest enterprise customer surprised many users. Online discussions on Reddit and TikTok quickly spread doubts about how user data might be handled under this partnership.

Concerns escalated further when users noticed that Palantir Technologies, a software company known for its government data contracts, was listed as a technology partner in Oura’s enterprise infrastructure. Some users interpreted this connection as a potential risk to personal privacy, particularly those using Oura rings to track reproductive health and menstrual cycles through its integration with the FDA-approved Natural Cycles app.

In response, Oura’s CEO Tom Hale issued a clarification, stating that the partnership does not involve sharing individual user data with the DoD or Palantir. According to the company, the defense platform uses a separate system, and only data from consenting service members can be accessed. Oura emphasized that consumer data and enterprise data are stored and processed independently.

Despite these assurances, some users remain uneasy. Privacy advocates and academics note that health wearables often operate outside strict medical data regulations, leaving gaps in accountability. Andrea Matwyshyn, a professor of law and engineering at Penn State, explained that wearable data can sometimes be repurposed in ways users do not anticipate, such as in insurance or legal contexts.

For many consumers, especially women tracking reproductive health, the issue goes beyond technical safeguards. It reflects growing mistrust of how private companies and governments may collaborate over sensitive biometric data. The discussion also highlights the shifting public attitude toward data privacy, as more users begin to question who can access their most personal information.

Oura maintains that it is committed to protecting user privacy and supporting health monitoring “for all people, including service members.” Still, the controversy serves as a reminder that transparency and accountability remain central to consumer trust in an age where personal data has become one of the most valuable commodities.