Should You Delete Your Period-Tracking App to Protect Your Privacy?
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Should you delete your period tracker data?
If you are using an online period tracker or tracking your cycles through your phone, get off it and delete your data. Now. — Elizabeth C. McLaughlin (she/her) (@ECMcLaughlin) May 3, 2022 The thread then breaks down the many reasons why, starting with some history of how similar apps have gatherd and sold data in the past.
Should you use a period tracker app?
If you need to use a period tracker app, make sure it’s one that doesn’t use a server or third-party tracking. The first thing to understand is that not every period tracker app has the same features. You’ll want to be careful about period tracker apps that use cloud servers or share information with third parties.
Could your period tracking app be used to commit a crime?
Although much of the warnings on Friday were focused on just period trackers these are not the only apps that can be used against users when it comes to criminal prosecution, experts warned. “Google Maps or a random game on your phone could just as easily be weaponized against someone as a menstrual tracking app,” Greer said.
What do cycle trackers do with your data?
As with various other apps, cycle trackers collect, retain and at times share some of their users’ data. In a state where abortion is a crime, prosecutors could request information collected by these apps when building a case against someone.
The privacy problem with menstrual cycle tracker apps
From the beginning, all of my Hormonology apps have been 100% private. There has never been any way for my app team or I to see any information that a user puts in. I can’t access your cycle length, your diary or notes or even the types of emoticons you use in your Cycle Calendar. All information is stored on your own device.
So why are app developers giving my data to researchers?
You may have read or heard that app developers aren’t making any money off of sharing your data with researchers. They’re doing it out of the goodness of their heart to advance science. Well, that’s not exactly the entire reason.
But, does privacy really matter anyway?
When an app tracks your emotional states, physical changes and health issues, and you can type personal notes into it, it’s more than just an app. This is your diary. This is your healthcare record. This is a record of your life.
Get it in writing–but still be cautious
I’m saddened and disappointed to see that many of my peers in the menstrual cycle research community are vigorously encouraging women to share personal data that includes your emotional states, day-to-day behaviors and health.
Switch to a paper menstrual cycle tracker journal
I was at the forefront of menstrual cycle tracker apps. Now I’m encouraging you to go old-school: Keep a paper menstrual cycle journal. Use a plain notebook. Use a Bullet Journal. Or use my Hormonology Menstrual Cycle Tracker Journal, which includes more than 70 categories to track and can be customized to include even more.
