Introduction to Menstrual Cycle Tracking Apps
Women who have followed their menstrual cycle with smartphone apps were warned of data protection and security risks. A report states that the apps are a "gold mine" for consumer profiles and collect information. The academics warned that the data in the wrong hands could lead to "discrimination" through health insurance and risks for professional prospects.
Data Collection by Menstrual Cycle Tracking Apps
The apps collect information about everything, from movement, nutrition and medication to sexual preferences, hormone levels and contraception. Academics said this data could give an insight into the health of people and their reproductive decisions. Many women used the apps when they tried to get pregnant. The researchers said that data on who is pregnant and who wants to be is some of the "most sought-after information in digital advertising", as this leads to a shift in shopping patterns.
Risks Associated with Menstrual Cycle Tracking Apps
"Cycle tracking apps are a lucrative business because they provide the companies behind the apps with extremely valuable and fine-grained user data," the researchers said. "CTA data is not only commercially valuable and shared with an inseparable net of third parties, but also represents serious security risks for users." The research team called for better governance of the "FemTech" industry, improved data security of these apps, and the introduction of "meaningful consent options".
Need for Alternatives and Better Governance
The researchers also wanted bodies such as the NHS to offer alternatives to commercial tracking apps, with permission for the data to be used in valid medical research. They stated that menstrual cycle-tracking apps are presented as empowering women and addressing the gender health gap. However, the business model behind their services is based on commercial use, the sale of user data, and the exploitation of knowledge for profit to third parties.
Conclusion and Recommendations
There are real and scary privacy and security risks for women due to the marketing of the data collected by Cycle Tracking Apps. The report states that large CTA companies had updated their approach to exchanging data, but device information was still collected with "not sensible consent". The researchers emphasized the need for better data protection and security measures to be implemented to safeguard the sensitive information of women using these apps.
