Flo, a period tracking app, is creating a feature called “anonymous Mode” that allows users to delete their name, email address and technical identifiers. In the wake of Roe v. Wade’s Supreme Court decision, period trackers are being scrutinized for privacy concerns.
According to a press release, although the new feature was already planned, it was accelerated by the Supreme Court’s decision.
Susanne Schumacher (Flo’s data protection officer) stated that Flo would always protect women’s health and provide them with full control of their data in a press release. “Flo will not share or sell user information. We only collect data when there is a legal basis and our users have consented to it. All data that we collect is encrypted and will not be changed.”
Flo emailed the users of the app to inform them that the feature would be available within the next few weeks. These apps have been deleted many times on social media. Twitter also teased the launch of the new feature last Friday by the company.
You have the right to data protection pic.twitter.com/uA5HLHItCY
The email was signed by the data protection officers. It stated that an account will be deleted of any personal identifiers once it activates the anonym mode. Flo will not be able to connect accounts with individuals if an official request is made.
Schumacher sent an email to users, stating that Anonymous Mode would prevent Flo from being able connect data to an individual if she received a request by an official to identify Flo by email or name.
Flo stated that activating anynomous mode may restrict personalization options and users won’t be able to recover data if a device is stolen, lost or modified.
Users can also request the deletion of their data by emailing customer service.
Flo is the largest health app on the market with more than 48 millions active users. Federal investigation has been warranted in the past for the company’s usage of user data. Flo settled with the Federal Trade Commission in 2021 over claims that the company had misled users regarding their privacy policies.
Experts agree that health privacy extends beyond apps. Lydia X. says that technology information can also be accessed through search histories and location data. Z. Brown, policy counsel at the Privacy and Data Project of the Center for Democracy and Technology.
Depending on the individual’s situation, it is up to them to decide whether they want to keep or delete their period trackers. Andrea Ford, a University of Edinburgh health researcher, advises that those living in states that criminalize abortion may need to take extra precautions.
Ford stated that he would not use a period tracker in a state where abortion is actively being criminalized. Ford spoke to NPR previously.
