In the past year, women’s data has been used positively and negatively. Some companies in the femtech industry have leveraged this data to create health-tracking apps focused on menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy, aiming to enhance women’s health and well-being. However, on the flip side, companies have also used women’s data to target them with ads, leading to constant surveillance and privacy concerns.
The Double-Edged Sword of Data Collection
Companies’ data collection can help identify potential health issues, prompting timely medical attention and providing useful information for women facing similar health challenges. Health apps can also raise awareness about women’s health issues and foster a sense of community.
However, these same data can be used by law enforcement and government bodies to track women’s movements and activities, potentially leading to invasive surveillance. Such practices inadvertently push women to become advocates for their health while also making them vulnerable to privacy breaches.
How Women’s Health Data Is Being Used
In 2023, women’s reproductive health data will be utilized in various ways. While it can empower women by giving them insights into their health, it also raises serious privacy concerns. For instance, data from women’s health apps might be shared with third parties, used for targeted advertising, or sold to data brokers.
Here’s what every woman should know about how her data is being used and how to protect her privacy:
- Use Strong Passwords and 2FA: Secure your accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Be Cautious when Sharing Information: Be mindful of the information you share online and regularly check your app and device settings.
- Opt-Out of Data Collection: Opt-out of data collection features in apps and services whenever possible.
- Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly update your apps, devices, and Software to protect against security vulnerabilities.
- Use a VPN: When connected to public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your data.
- Understand the Risks of Social Media: Discuss online privacy risks with your children and be aware of the dangers of revenge porn.
The Growing Importance of Femtech
Since the early 2000s, Femtech has been rapidly growing, offering innovative products and services to address women’s health issues like menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, menopause, and sexual health. Popular apps like Flo have become household names, with Flo alone reaching 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
However, Femtech still needs to improve despite its growth due to a lack of investment and concerns about data privacy. A survey by JMIR Europe revealed that over 90% of women’s health apps share data with third parties, and 60% track users’ locations. These findings highlight the urgent need for stronger data protection measures.
Steps to Safeguard Women’s Privacy
Protecting women’s privacy requires limiting the amount of reproductive data collected and stored by apps. Users should be required to opt in before any data collection and be able to delete their data at any time. In the US, two bills have been introduced to prevent data brokers from selling private data and to help citizens protect their privacy.
The Risks of Data Exposure
Exposure to personal data can lead to serious consequences for women. For example, in states where abortion is illegal, women who have recently had an abortion could be prosecuted if their data is exposed. Similarly, women using fertility treatments might face discrimination from health insurance companies, and victims of sexual assault could be re-traumatized if their data is leaked.
In conclusion, while Femtech has the potential to significantly improve women’s health, it is crucial to address the privacy concerns that come with the collection and sharing of personal data. Women must remain vigilant and proactively protect their privacy in this digital age.