Period-tracking apps have become useful tools for millions of women, offering a convenient way to record menstruation. These apps also use this data to provide insights into menstrual health, fertility, and overall well-being. However, the vast amounts of sensitive personal data these apps collect—from menstruation dates to user location—have raised privacy concerns.
With the potential for this data to be shared with third parties, including advertisers and even law enforcement, understanding the privacy risks and choosing the right app is crucial. This guide will explore the data collection practices of period-tracking apps, highlight privacy-focused alternatives, and provide tips on using these apps safely.
Read more: What your mental health app reveals to Big Tech
What data do period-tracking apps collect?
On the most basic level, period or menstruation apps help users log their cycles and can help predict when their next period starts.
But period tracking apps, which are often used to track fertility for avoiding or attempting to get pregnant, might store a lot more than that—a “dizzying” amount of data, as a 2020 study conducted by Privacy International puts it. This could include sexual activity, fertility windows, flow changes, signs of pregnancy, and many more menstrual symptoms and side effects.
Additionally, many of them require users to create an account with identifying details including their name, date of birth, and contact information.
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade through the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion. This ruling allows state governments to decide whether to criminalize abortion. This has raised new questions about the privacy risks associated with period-tracking apps.
Period tracking data can provide clues as to if and when a user has become pregnant, plus information on any early termination of that pregnancy. In jurisdictions where abortion is criminalized, this information could be used in legal investigations and prosecutions related to abortion treatments.
Even without the Supreme Court decision, this data was available for marketers and advertisers to collect and target users; now, there is an additional legal risk that users put themselves in if they keep using these apps.
3 best period-tracking apps for privacy
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, several popular period-tracking apps have publicly restated their commitment to privacy and never sharing user data with law enforcement. However, as positive as this is, it’s difficult to know whether these statements are ironclad company policies, or simply a PR move.
That’s why we’ve focused on apps that prioritize privacy by design, not just through promises. These apps incorporate robust privacy features into their very structure, offering a more secure and transparent way to track your menstrual health.
1. Euki
Euki, created by the international non-profit organization Women Help Women, doesn’t track or sell any user data to third parties. Euki’s code is also open-source, which means that it can be reviewed by anyone to ensure that there are no hidden data collection practices. The app is available in English and Spanish and on both Android and iOS.
Key features:
- No personal information required: Euki doesn’t require any personal information to use the app. You don’t need to create an account or provide your name, email address, or any other identifying information.
- Endorsed by the Mozilla Foundation: The Mozilla Foundation is hugely pro-privacy and ranks Euki as the “least creepy” period tracker on the market.
Local data storage: All of your data is stored locally on your device. This means that your data isn’t sent to any servers and is only accessible to you. - Open-source code: Euki’s code is open-source, which means that it’s publicly available for anyone to review. This allows for transparency and ensures that there are no hidden data collection practices.
- PIN protection: You can set a PIN to protect your data. This means that only you can access your data, even if someone else has your device.
- Fake screen: Euki has a fake screen feature that you can activate if you don’t want someone to see your data. This will display a fake screen that doesn’t show any of your personal information.
2. Drip
Drip is an open-source app that stores all data locally on your device. It uses strong encryption methods to scramble your information and doesn’t share your data with any third-party companies or advertisers. The app is only available in English.
Key features:
- Data stored locally: All data is stored solely on your device, ensuring no external servers or third parties have access to your information.
- Inclusive design: The app avoids gendered language and aesthetics.
- Transparent algorithm: The open-source code lets you see how the app calculates your cycle and fertility predictions.
- Customizable tracking: Track only the data that matters to you, whether it’s your period, fertility, or other relevant details.
- Available on multiple platforms: Drip is free to download on Google Play, the App Store, and F-Droid.
- Backed by the Mozilla Foundation: Financing by the Mozilla Foundation demonstrates a commitment to privacy and security, as Mozilla is renowned for its dedication to user protection and open-source software.
3. Periodical
Periodical is a straightforward period-tracking app designed with privacy at its core. It offers essential tracking features without compromising your data. The app is Android-only and available in 20+ languages.
Key features:
- Offline and private: Periodical stores all data locally on your device, ensuring no data is sent to external servers or third parties.
- No account required: You can use the app anonymously without providing any personal information.
- Clean interface: The app’s minimalist design focuses on essential tracking features, making it easy to use and navigate.
- Data export: You can export your data for backup or further analysis.
- Open source: Periodical’s code is publicly available, ensuring transparency and allowing for community contributions and security audits.
- Cycle tracking, not contraception: Periodical calculates fertile days using the Knaus-Ogino method. However, this is not recommended for pregnancy prevention as there are more accurate methods available (like basal body temperature measurement).
Track your period the old-fashioned ways
If you’re concerned about your personal information being collected on your menstrual apps, here are a few alternatives that keep data about your period private.
1. Set up a spreadsheet
Spreadsheets don’t require you to upload your information to the cloud, nor sync online with other apps and services. Templates are available to download and give you the freedom to customize how you want to track your cycle. Be sure to password-protect your spreadsheets too.
2. Use a calendar
Create a calendar specific to recording your cycle. Calendars on your computer can be used to track different start and end times, as well as any other symptoms you might be experiencing. Be wary of syncing your calendar to the cloud, and consider creating your own calendar in a password-protected spreadsheet
3. Use pen and paper
A paper notebook or calendar is the only reliably offline way of tracking your cycle, provided you can keep it safe from anyone looking to find it.
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The most important thing to note with the above methods is that all that data stays offline, and stays with you. You decide how you record and protect that information, and you don’t have to worry about your data being collected and shared with third parties.
FAQ: About period-tracking apps
Are period tracker apps safe?
Fertility apps, including period trackers, come with inherent privacy and security risks that users should be aware of. In regions where abortion is criminalized, law enforcement can potentiallynow request fertility-related records from period-tracking app companies as evidence of crimes. Some apps prioritize privacy by minimizing data collection and offering strong security measures, while others collect and share extensive data with third parties.
If privacy is a major concern, consider:
- Privacy-focused apps: Opt for apps like Drip, Euki, or Periodical that prioritize privacy and data security.
- Alternative tracking: Use traditional methods like a calendar or spreadsheet that you can keep offline.
- App settings: Adjust your app settings to limit data sharing and location tracking if available.
Research the app’s privacy policy, data security practices, and user reviews before downloading to ensure it aligns with your privacy needs.
What can I do to protect my privacy while using a period-tracking app?
Choose a privacy-focused app, read the privacy policy carefully, and be mindful of the information you share – avoid details beyond periods. Consider using a strong password or biometric authentication to protect your app data. You can also turn off location services and limit ad tracking. Avoid apps that require account creation or personal information, and consider a VPN download to encrypt your internet connection and obscure your real location for added security.
What are some privacy-focused features to look for in a period-tracking app?
Look for period-tracking apps that offer end-to-end encryption, local data storage, the ability to export your data, no location tracking, and transparent privacy policies that explicitly state they don’t share your data with third parties. Avoid apps that require you to create an account or share excessive personal information. Opt for apps that offer direct user control over data, including the ability to delete your information easily and manage privacy settings.
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Comments
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