007: Investigating Privacy in Period Tracking Apps: Who’s Protecting Your Data?

I Call Bullsh*t with Kristina Braly

Episode 7: Menstruation & Period Apps - Privacy Deep Dive

Welcome back to I Call B******t! In this special investigative episode, we dive into the complex world of period tracking apps and wearables in a post-Roe v. Wade landscape. We examine how popular trackers handle user data, whether they share it with advertisers or law enforcement, and what steps each is taking to safeguard our most intimate information. We’ll also rank these apps from best to worst in terms of privacy, so you can make an informed decision about how to monitor your menstrual cycle safely and securely.

Episode Highlights:

• Post-Roe Concerns: Why users fear their reproductive data could be used against them in states with restrictive laws.
• App-by-App Analysis: A deep look at Apple Health, Oura, Flo, Clue, Stardust, and more — from encryption practices to data-sharing controversies.
• Legal & Enforcement Issues: How prosecutors could theoretically subpoena app logs, and which companies vow to fight back.
• Privacy Rankings: Our top picks (and the worst offenders) based on encryption, anonymous modes, and third-party data sharing policies.
• Actionable Tips: Protect yourself with device-level encryption, “anonymous” features, and by choosing apps that won’t compromise your privacy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Privacy in Period Tracking Apps
01:06 The Impact of Dobbs Decision on Privacy Concerns
03:17 Understanding the Sensitivity of Period Tracker Data
06:20 Evaluating Popular Period Tracking Apps
08:02 Apple Health: A Leader in Privacy
11:10 Oura Ring: A Commitment to User Privacy
15:14 Flo: A Cautionary Tale of Privacy Missteps
21:52 Clue: The Privacy-First Approach
25:38 P Tracker
29:29 Stardust: The Cautionary Tale of Privacy Claims
35:12 Legal Landscape: The Risks of Period App Data
40:15 Ranking Period Apps: Privacy and Security Insights
47:13 Conclusion: Empowering Choices for Privacy Protection
49:54 Outro track (1).mp3

References & Show Links:

• Mozilla “Privacy Not Included” Report - https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/
• FTC Settlement with Flo (TechCrunch coverage) - https://techcrunch.com/2021/01/13/flo-health-privacy-case/
• Clue’s GDPR Statement & Post-Roe Policy - https://helloclue.com/articles/about-clue/data-privacy
• Oura’s Commitment to Reproductive Data Privacy - https://ouraring.com/blog/ouras-commitment-to-data-privacy
• EFF Guidance on Period App Privacy - https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/07/so-you-want-delete-period-tracking-app
• Stardust & Encryption Claims (Vice & TechCrunch) - https://www.vice.com/en/article/akv5p8/stardust-period-tracking-app-roe-v-wade

Listener Action Items:

• Choose Your App Wisely: Consider Apple Health, Clue, Euki, or Oura for stronger data protections. Use pseudonyms or “anonymous modes” where possible.
• Secure Your Device: Enable passcodes or biometrics, encrypt backups, and turn on two-factor authentication.
• Stay Informed: Check apps’ privacy policies periodically — they change quickly under public pressure.
• Minimize Sensitive Logs: Think twice before recording every detail of your cycle or sex life if you live in a legally risky state.

Contact & Community:

Have a personal story about using period trackers? Or found an app with awesome (or terrible) privacy features? We want to hear it!
Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram at @icallbswithkb.

Subscribe & Leave a Review – If you learned something new, help us out by giving a 5-star rating, and share this episode with a friend worried about period-tracking privacy.

Keywords

period tracking, privacy, reproductive health, data security, menstrual apps, Roe v. Wade, user data, encryption, legal implications, health technology

#ICallBS #MenstruationApps #PostRoePrivacy #AppleHealth #ClueApp #Flo #Stardust #OuraRing