Period tracking apps have been around for years, evolving from simple calendars to advanced tools packed with insights and predictions, but the women's health tech landscape is changing rapidly: it's not just about apps anymore. Best Smart Ring and Best Smartwatch We have now integrated these features to provide even more accurate tracking capabilities. For example: Oura Ring or Wow! It is now possible to detect subtle changes in body temperature and use this data to provide more accurate information about your cycle.
The appeal of this technology is clear: it offers a convenient way to track symptoms, spot patterns, and predict periods, ovulation, and even pregnancy, helping us gain a deeper understanding of our reproductive health without the hassle of taking manual notes.
But with this convenience comes a big concern: privacy. When you enter personal information into these apps, do you really know who is handling your data? How secure is that data? In countries with increasingly strict abortion laws, could this data be used against you? These questions are more important than ever, which is why we asked a few experts about the real risks.
The hidden costs of “free” apps
I asked Dr. Jenn Hintzsche, founder and CEO of fertility treatment company PherDal Fertility Science, to explain the appeal of these tracking tools.
“Sharing and aggregating women's health data anonymously will help women stay healthier longer and live better lives, and personalized data insights will empower people to share more information with their healthcare providers and prevent disease,” she says.
But in the wrong hands, the same data could be used for harmful purposes: “This data could be used to determine whether abortion is illegal or how much health insurance you should receive if you have a pre-existing condition,” Hinche warns.
Nicky Watson, founder and chief architect at data consent management company Cassie, said: “If the app or device you're using isn't clearly selling a product, you might be the product.”
You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are the product” many times before, especially in relation to social media, but it can also apply to health tech.
“If women are entering their information into a free cycle tracker, there's a good chance that data is being monetized or sold in some way,” Watson warned.
Understanding the complexities of health data law
It's about to get a little complicated, so prepare yourself: Health data laws vary widely from region to region, from the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to the United States' Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Watson explains that this poses a challenge for many tech companies because they collect and store data across different devices and jurisdictions, making consent and compliance difficult. “This is particularly challenging when data is stored across multiple platforms in countries with different data protection laws,” she says. TechRadar.
In the United States, HIPAA regulations protect sensitive patient information, but many assume this applies to all health apps and wearables as well, but in reality this is often not the case.
“HIPAA only protects health information held by certain health care providers,” Watson explains, “and it generally doesn't protect Apple Watch or Fitbit data, or genetic data from Ancestry.com. For HIPAA to apply, the data must be created or maintained by a covered entity, typically a health care provider or health plan.”
This is a particular concern in the US, where there is currently no evidence that period tracking data is being used in investigations, but authorities Done If you believe someone has had an illegal abortion, request information.
“The government can request information where they have probable cause in a criminal case,” says Jodi Daniels, IANS Research faculty member and founder and CEO of data privacy firm Red Clover Advisors. However, Daniels explains that some states, such as Washington state, have implemented privacy laws such as the My Health My Data Act to protect sensitive reproductive information.
Understanding Privacy Policies: What to Look Out for
The safest option is to not share any data at all, but if you still want to benefit from health tracking technology, you can take precautions.
Watson advises women to find solutions that don't require them to use their real information: “Ask yourself: Why should I give away my email address? What is the purpose of sharing my contact information? If the answers to these questions aren't readily apparent or clearly stated, protect yourself and your privacy by not sharing the information,” she says.
Rather than sharing data, Hinchey said, Who The best way to find out more about the companies you share your data with is to research them and read their privacy policies thoroughly.
I know it's not fun — I'm a tech journalist and I skim through it way too quickly — but we should all be more careful about what we sign up for more often.
Hintzsche suggests three red flags to look out for: “Do they have a privacy policy? If they don't, that's a big red flag. Don't download it.”
“Then look at the data collection section – some apps collect everything, while others only collect one or two data points.
“Finally, let's look at data sharing. When it comes to app data, sharing often means selling. If this section isn't there, it's probably best to stay away from this app as much as possible.”
She also recommends looking for terms like “encryption” and “anonymization” in the privacy policy, which means your data may be used for certain purposes, such as research, but won't be linked to your name or other identifying information. “These green flags indicate that the app developer cares about privacy at least to some extent,” Hintzsche says.
Daniels adds, “Privacy policies should be updated at least once a year. An outdated policy is a sign that privacy isn't a top priority. Look for detailed explanations of how the company protects your data.”
If this seems difficult, here are some unbiased resources that can help. Mozilla's *Privacy Not Included Buyer's Guideranks the privacy practices of the major apps, breaking down everything you need to know in a very easy-to-understand way. It ranks apps and technologies from “creepy” to “not creepy.” But unfortunately, not all apps and tools are currently listed there, which means the responsibility is still on you.
Of course, even the most trusted companies with robust privacy policies can be at risk for a data breach. “Safety is relative. Data breaches happen,” Hintzsche says. But she doesn't think this means we should completely abandon technology and useful tools. We just need to learn all we can and go into the deal with our eyes wide open.
“When it comes to digital privacy, knowledge is power. Understanding what data you're sharing and with whom is key to avoid being caught off guard.”