Menstrual Tracking Apps Pose Serious Privacy and Safety Risks

Menstrual tracking apps have become a staple for hundreds of millions worldwide, offering insights into reproductive health and cycle management. However, a recent report from the University of Cambridge’s Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy uncovers a troubling reality: these apps are data "gold mines" that pose serious health and safety risks.

The report highlights how menstrual data is highly valuable to advertisers—pregnancy data alone is 200 times more valuable than basic demographic information like age or location. This data enables detailed customer profiling, allowing companies to tailor marketing campaigns with precision. But the risks extend far beyond targeted ads.

Users often underestimate the sensitivity of their menstrual data, unaware that apps collect not only cycle dates but also reproductive choices, sexual activity, health conditions, medication intake, and device information. This extensive data collection happens frequently without meaningful consent, especially in the U.S. and U.K., where privacy policies remain vague and enforcement is limited.

The consequences of data misuse are alarming. Beyond commercial exploitation, menstrual data has been used for workplace surveillance, health insurance discrimination, and cyberstalking. More disturbingly, government agencies have accessed menstrual data to restrict abortion access, as seen in cases from Missouri and federal U.S. refugee programs, where menstrual tracking information was used to monitor and control reproductive decisions.

In the wake of the 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the stakes have never been higher. Abortion access in the U.S. is fragmented, with many states banning or severely restricting the procedure. This legal landscape amplifies the dangers of unprotected menstrual data, making privacy protections a critical issue for reproductive rights.

While the European Union and the U.K. offer stronger legal frameworks for data protection, enforcement gaps and vague privacy policies still leave users vulnerable. The report urges app developers to prioritize transparency and data security, emphasizing their responsibility to safeguard sensitive health information.

Given the indispensable health insights these apps provide, expecting users to abandon them is unrealistic. Instead, the report recommends switching to non-commercial, privacy-focused period tracking apps operated by non-profits or research institutions that do not share data with third parties.

This report serves as a wake-up call: menstrual tracking data is not just personal health information—it is a powerful tool that can be exploited to control reproductive lives. Protecting this data requires stronger regulation, transparent practices, and informed user choices to ensure safety and privacy in an increasingly complex digital health landscape.