Hong Kong watchdog warns 24-hour gym users of hidden costs, data privacy risks

The Hong Kong Consumer Council has issued a stark warning to users of 24-hour fitness centers, revealing that advertised monthly fees can more than double due to hidden charges and raising serious concerns over the collection of biometric data. A survey of 11 gym operators, conducted via website research, direct verification, and mystery shopping at 22 branches, found that while all offered monthly plans, five imposed extra non-refundable fees such as enrolment charges or costs for electronic keys. Four centers also demanded deposits. When distributed across short membership periods, these additional costs create a significant price difference, misleading consumers who are attracted by low base rates.

The council's vice-chairman, Kenneth Chan Kin-nin, advised consumers to scrutinize all potential fees and consider their workout habits before signing contracts. Beyond financial transparency, the watchdog highlighted critical data privacy risks, urging users to carefully review terms before providing sensitive personal information. This is particularly pertinent as many 24-hour gyms use facial recognition systems for entry, collecting biometric data that requires clear understanding of its storage, usage, and protection policies. The findings underscore a citywide issue where fee structures and privacy policies vary dramatically, leaving consumers vulnerable to unexpected costs and potential misuse of their personal data.