Some of the best messaging apps are focused on encryption. If you’re discussing sensitive information there, make sure you’re safe. Outside of period trackers, it’s also a good idea to keep track of how secure your messaging apps are on your phone. No one else, not even Apple, can access end-to-end encrypted information.” This means only you can access this information, and only on devices where you’re signed in to iCloud. While it’s not the most feature-rich period tracker available, Apple’s privacy policy states that all data logged with the period tracker is “encrypted and inaccessible by default.” Another Apple document further explains that “If you’re using iOS 12 or later and have turned on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, health records are encrypted using end-to-end encryption through iCloud. Our user data cannot simply be subpoenaed from the U.S.” Elizabeth Tirk | Digital TrendsĬomparatively, if you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Health app offers built-in period tracking without the need for a third-party app. Court or other authority can override that, since we are not based in the U.S. As Clue explains, “If we hold your data, our obligation under European law to protect your privately tracked data is the same. Clue adheres to the European General Data Protection Regulation law which boasts to be the safest and strictest security law out there. On the other hand, Clue assured me it’s secure in the fact it’s a European company and not subject to American laws. Either in-app, like what Flo offers, or just on your mobile device itself. As such, make sure to utilize the passcode features when available. However, regardless of the user privacy of any app, that doesn’t secure the information available locally on your device. Otherwise, for outright security safety, Budington said, “In the case of period trackers, Consumer Reports found that the best apps (both in policy and in practice) on the scale of user privacy were Euki, Periodical, and Drip.” Anonymous Mode is an optional feature users have to manually enable, rather than something that’s turned on by default.Ĭybersecurity expert William Budington explained to me that the barest minimum in safety for period tracking apps is the allowance of at least some anonymity. It’s a fantastic addition to any period tracker, if not still a low bar. Flo’s optional Anonymous Mode Floįirst off, Flo announced an upcoming Anonymous Mode where users can remove any personally identifying information to ensure no data can be traced back to them. You’re probably wondering what app is safest then? Which one is the best for your security? To no one’s surprise, that varies. The company even stated, “At Clue, we strongly believe that the very personal decision to end a pregnancy should be made in the context of legal, regulated healthcare, without shame or fear of prosecution.” What is safe with period tracking apps While we navigate this new reality, we promise to squarely face the challenges it brings, to listen, and do everything we can to make every single Clue user’s experience as positive and safe as it can be.” Many of us at Clue understand firsthand how it feels to fear for our reproductive autonomy. “At this fraught moment, we hear the anger and the anxiety coming from our U.S. Showing no fear, Clue made its stance very clear. You can even retract that consent later if you deem it necessary. In Flo’s privacy policy, the company states that if data collection is required by law, it informs you of the matter and requires your consent before continuing.
Though it remains to be proven if all data is truly gone. Among all of the apps, the user decides about inputting any period or pregnancy-related logs, so you can withhold information as you see fit.įlo did specify that it allows you to delete your data whenever you want. These companies have a stake in this as much as we do, and if users don’t feel safe using their platform, they lose out too. It makes sense as to why they’re striving for this, especially now. None of the apps are purportedly selling information to any third parties either. How apps are (trying) to keep you protectedĮvery app developer I spoke to said they’re ensuring private data is always encrypted and safe.
Here’s what I learned, and what you should know to keep yourself safe. I also spoke to cybersecurity experts to get their take on the matter.
To do so, I reached out to popular period tracking apps Flo and Clue to hear how they’re tackling the data privacy and security of their users. Given the increase in safety/privacy concerns around such apps, I wanted to find out what is actually safe and what isn’t.
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