Period Tracker Apps Pose Privacy Risks to Women
Data Collection Could Lead to Discrimination and Abuse
Millions of women unknowingly expose sensitive personal information when using period tracking applications, raising concerns about potential misuse of reproductive health data. Experts warn that this data is increasingly valuable to advertisers and could even lead to real-world harm.
A Gold Mine of Personal Data
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that cycle tracking apps collect a wide range of intimate details, including information about exercise habits, dietary choices, medication use, sexual activity, hormone levels, and contraception preferences. This comprehensive data profile makes these apps a lucrative target for commercial exploitation.
“There are real and frightening privacy and safety risks to women as a result of the commodification of the data collected by cycle tracking app companies.”
—Dr. Stefanie Felsberger, Lead Author
The report highlights that menstrual data provides valuable insights into women’s health and reproductive decisions, making it highly sought after by marketers. Data indicating pregnancy or a desire to conceive is particularly valuable in predicting future purchasing behavior.
Potential for Real-World Harm
The commodification of this data isn’t limited to targeted advertising. Experts caution that collected information could contribute to health insurance discrimination, negatively impact job opportunities, or even increase the risk of domestic abuse if it falls into the wrong hands. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 79% of U.S. adults are concerned about how companies use their personal data (Pew Research Center, 2019).
Calls for Greater Regulation
The researchers advocate for stronger governance within the “femtech” industry, emphasizing the need for enhanced data security measures and more transparent consent options for users. They also suggest that public health organizations should develop alternative, privacy-focused period tracking tools.
Period tracking apps have become increasingly popular globally, with the three leading apps accumulating a combined total of 250 million downloads worldwide. This widespread adoption underscores the urgency of addressing the privacy concerns associated with these applications.
The report emphasizes that cycle tracking apps (CTAs) are a profitable business due to their access to extremely detailed user data. This data is not only commercially valuable but also presents significant security vulnerabilities for users.
The authors conclude that CTA data is shared extensively with third parties, making intimate user information susceptible to exploitation for targeted advertising and other potentially harmful purposes.
