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

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