Concerns over menstrual tracking apps following U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo, (KRDO) -- In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade., many are left wondering just how safe it is to keep their personal information on fertility and period tracking apps.
Period tracker apps like Flo and Stardust have served as tools to help women track their cycles, but many are unsure of how safe this might be.
Some people have expressed concern over the possibility the apps could be used against them in states that ban abortions. Even in Colorado, where people still have access to reproductive healthcare, some are still concerned about their data getting out.
Despite the concerns, Aurea Bolaños Perea with COLOR, the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights believes these apps are important.
“A lot of us who have a period app on our phone is so we are prepared and monitor if we are late in our menstrual cycle or early. The apps are so we could take care of our mental health," said Bolaños.
She did, however, share different concerns.
"In some states where there has been a ban on abortion and these apps are not protected under HIPPA where the patient's privacy is protected this how people get worried, how is this app going to affect me and if people find out that I am undocumented and seeking care how is this going to affect me too."
She says the best way to go about it is to protect your data.
"Our conversations have been like 'ok- let's make sure we are not putting our information in the cloud-first and foremost and is there another app that is safer and if I still don't feel safe then, by all means, delete it," added Bolaños.
Some period tracker apps like 'FLO' are being proactive in their approach.
FLO is set to release a new feature called "Anonymous mode" that will allow users to remove their name, email address, and technical identifiers from their profile.
In Colorado, a new data privacy law is expected to take effect next year that will allow people to opt out of data collection on websites or have their data deleted.
