The Information and Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has commissioned a review of period and fertility apps after a new poll found that half of women had concerns over data security.
The poll commissioned by the ICO investigated whether users of these apps had concerns over sharing their personal data and whether they felt like their data was secure. A third of women were found to have used apps to track periods or fertility.
The focus of the polls was to identify the potential harm or negative impact users faced and what the types of harm could be, for example, unnecessary complicated and confusing privacy policies, not showing users what they have consented to, and apps requesting or storing unnecessary volumes of data.
Poll findings
The poll found that 59% of women said transparency over how their data was used was a bigger concern than costs and ease of use when it came to choosing an app.
The findings and research also showed that over half of people who use the apps believed they had noticed an increase in baby or fertility-related adverts since signing up. Whilst some of the users found the adverts positive, 17% described receiving these adverts as distressing.
Other key findings included:
- 57% of women had concerns over how secure the apps were;
- 55% of women had concerns over the cost of such apps; and
- 55% of women looked at the ease of use before choosing an app.
Aftermath of findings
Following the findings of the research, the ICO is now requesting users to share their experiences through a survey to gather more evidence. They will also be contacting companies that provide period and fertility tracking apps, including some of the most popular apps available to UK users. The focus will be to find out how they are processing users’ personal information.
They will also be commissioning focus groups and user testing, and working with key stakeholders, such as Wellbeing of Women, which is a women’s health group that has offered their support.
Emily Kearney, Deputy Commissioner of Regulatory Policy at the Information Commissioner’s Office stated:
“…this review is intended to establish both the good and bad of how the apps are working currently. Once we have more information, we will explore next steps, but we will not hesitate to take regulatory action to protect the public if necessary”.
Comment
The steps being taken by the ICO in researching the data security concerns over period and fertility tracking apps is in stark contrast to the United States. Since the overturning of the landmark case of Roe v Wade, there have been grave concerns after information from period tracking apps has been used by law enforcement to compile evidence against individuals choosing to have an abortion.
The review of these types of apps is fundamental to the right to privacy including consent, as when collecting sensitive information about someone’s health or body there should always be an additional level of scrutiny.
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