The Privacy Risks of Femtech: A Call for Stronger Regulations and Oversight

The world of femtech, which includes apps and devices that monitor women’s menstrual cycles, sexual encounters, and pregnancies, is facing a major privacy and security issue. A new study led by Dr. Maryam Mehrnezhad at the Royal Holloway University in London has revealed that many femtech companies do not adequately safeguard sensitive information and may even intentionally leak personal data to third parties.

The research team examined popular fertility apps, smart breast pumps, fertility trackers, kegel trainers, and sex toys and found a range of “inappropriate” security and privacy practices. These include not obtaining valid consent, lack of extra protection for sensitive data, and tracking users without their knowledge.

One alarming example cited in the study is the case of the period-tracking app Flo, which settled a class action lawsuit in 2021 for sharing users’ health data with Facebook. The social media platform used this information to display targeted ads based on users’ in-app activity, such as when they were having their period.

According to Mehrnezhad, companies compromising user data privacy in this way may do so unintentionally or as a deliberate attempt for commercial purposes. The study also found that 84% of period tracker apps share data with third parties, raising concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive health information by cyber-criminals, insurance companies, or employers.

Femtech currently operates in a legal grey area, as these devices and apps are not considered “medical” and fall outside healthcare regulations. The researchers recommend stronger regulations and industry oversight to protect users from malicious practices. They also emphasize the need for domain-specific regulations that address the unique privacy and security concerns of femtech products.

While efforts are underway to address these issues, Mehrnezhad advises users to carefully review privacy policies, opt-out of data tracking, and uninstall apps they do not regularly use. Ultimately, the goal is to provide users with secure, private, and safe femtech products that improve the quality of their lives without compromising their privacy and security.