Menstruation tracking apps studied for privacy practices

In 2018, the Brazil-based Coding Rights' feminist online cybersecurity guide Chupadados undertook a study of four popular period-tracking apps to find which best protected user privacy. Most, they found, rely on collecting and analysing data in order to be financially viable. The apps track more than just periods and ovulation; they ask for many intimate details about women's activities and health. The group found that the most trustworthy app was Clue, which is ad-free and optionally password-protected, and allows users to store their data on their device. If they do opt to create an account and store their data in the cloud, personal and health information are encrypted and stored separately, and they can request deletion at any time. An additional concern is that many of these apps also perpetuate harmful race and gender stereotypes.

https://broadly.vice.com/amp/en_us/article/8xe4yz/menstrual-app-period-tracker-data-cyber-security

writer: Sarah Burke
publication: Broadly