Your Period Tracking App May Be Sharing Your Private Health Information

Period tracking apps help millions of people monitor their menstrual cycles, but many of these apps are collecting and sharing your private health information. The apps may be sending data about your cycle, symptoms, and other health details to advertisers and data brokers without making it clear to users.

If you use a period tracking app on your phone, your personal health information may have been collected and shared. This includes details about your menstrual cycle, fertility information, and other intimate health data you entered into the app. This information could be sold to advertisers or potentially accessed by others.

Here is what you should do right now:

1. Check your period tracking app's privacy settings. Look for options to limit data sharing and turn off any advertising permissions.
2. Review what information you have entered into the app. Delete any data you do not need stored.
3. Consider switching to a privacy focused period tracker that does not sell your data. Look for apps that clearly state they do not share health information with third parties.
4. Read the privacy policy before downloading any health app. If it is unclear about data sharing, choose a different app. For long term protection, treat health apps like medical records. Only share what is necessary, choose apps with strong privacy commitments, and regularly review what data you have stored. Remember that once your health information is shared, you cannot take it back. Being selective now protects your privacy in the future.