Effective date: July 18, 2026
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern use of the University of Michigan ActiveStep Research Study service (“the Service”), which collects Fitbit device data from participants’ Google accounts for IRB-approved research studies via the Google Health API.
The Service is available to (a) research participants who have enrolled in a University of Michigan research study and consented to share their device data, and (b) authorized research systems operated by or on behalf of approved studies.
The Service only accesses data you explicitly authorize through Google’s consent screen, and only uses it for the research study (or studies) you enrolled in. Your study’s IRB-approved consent document governs how the study team may use your data; if these Terms and your consent document conflict, the consent document controls for research use of your data.
You may stop sharing at any time by revoking access in your Google Account settings or by contacting your study team. Withdrawal stops future collection; handling of data already collected is described in your study’s consent document and our Privacy Policy.
Systems granted API credentials must: use data only under their IRB-approved protocol; protect credentials and data according to University of Michigan information security policies; and notify the Service operators promptly of any suspected breach or credential compromise. Credentials may be suspended or revoked at any time to protect participants or comply with policy.
You may not use the Service to access data of individuals who have not consented, attempt to re-identify de-identified data, resell or redistribute data, or use data for advertising or any non-research purpose.
The Service transfers and stores data for research. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Data shown in research systems may be delayed, incomplete, or inaccurate and must not be relied on for clinical decisions.
The Service is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, to the extent permitted by law. We do not guarantee uninterrupted operation or that all device data will be captured.
To the extent permitted by law, the University of Michigan and the Service operators are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of the Service. Nothing in these Terms waives any immunity or protection available to the University of Michigan under applicable law, or limits any rights you have as a research participant.
We may update these Terms by posting a revised version at this URL with a new effective date. We may suspend or terminate the Service or any credential to protect participants, comply with law or policy, or upon conclusion of the supported studies.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, USA, without regard to conflict-of-law rules.
Questions about these Terms: activestep@umich.edu.