Introduction

In recent years, femtech — technology designed specifically for women’s health — has experienced a remarkable boom. Period-tracking, fertility, menopause, and pregnancy apps promise to empower users with insights into their bodies and lifestyles. These apps have become an integral part of daily life for millions of women worldwide, offering convenience, guidance, and data-driven health advice.

However, behind these benefits lies a serious risk: many femtech apps collect highly sensitive data, potentially exposing users to privacy violations, legal consequences, or even surveillance in a shifting reproductive rights landscape in the United States. Awareness and careful selection of apps are critical to protect personal and reproductive data.

The Growth and Evolution of FemTech

The femtech industry began gaining traction in the early 2010s with simple period-tracking apps. Over the years, the sector expanded into fertility planning, pregnancy monitoring, menopause support, and holistic women’s wellness. Global investments in femtech exceeded billions of dollars by 2024, reflecting growing demand and technological innovation.

Today, apps can track cycles, symptoms, mood, exercise, nutrition, and even sleep patterns. AI-driven analytics offer predictions and insights tailored to individual users, enhancing convenience and empowerment. Despite these advancements, the rapid growth has outpaced regulation, leaving critical privacy gaps.

Hidden Dangers in FemTech Data Collection

Not all health data is created equal. While data stored by healthcare providers may be protected under HIPAA, femtech apps often operate outside these regulations, creating a legal gray area. Many apps collect more than cycle dates: location data, sexual activity, contraceptive use, and pregnancy intentions can be stored and sometimes shared with third parties, including advertisers and analytics companies.

Transparency is inconsistent. Some apps do not provide clear explanations of how data is shared, retained, or deleted. Users may consent to vague terms without realizing the full scope of information being collected. Studies show that even popular apps have weak privacy controls and multiple third-party trackers embedded within their platforms.

Legal Context: Why the U.S. Environment Adds Risk

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 intensified concerns about femtech privacy in the U.S. Data from period-tracking or fertility apps could potentially be subpoenaed or used as evidence in states with strict abortion laws. This creates a heightened need for users to protect sensitive reproductive information.

Legal experts emphasize that femtech data is not uniformly protected. Many companies are not considered healthcare providers and therefore are not bound by strict privacy laws. This regulatory gap creates potential exposure for users, especially in jurisdictions with aggressive reproductive restrictions.

Evidence from Research

• A 2025 study by researchers from King’s College London found that 20 leading femtech apps shared sensitive user data in ways that could compromise privacy, particularly in areas with restrictive reproductive laws.
  
  

• Security analyses of 45 apps revealed extensive permissions, third-party tracking, and weak data security. Many apps collect information far beyond what users assume, creating risk for personal and reproductive privacy.
  
  

• Experts argue that users have little control over how long their data is stored or who can access it, despite the sensitive nature of the information.
  
  

Real-World Cases

Several high-profile incidents illustrate the potential dangers:

• The period-tracking app Flo faced scrutiny for sharing user data with third-party analytics and advertisers without explicit consent.
  
  

• Premom, a fertility-tracking app, was criticized for similar practices, where pregnancy-related data was allegedly exposed to analytics firms.
  
  

These cases highlight the importance of understanding that femtech apps are not purely wellness tools but also collect sensitive personal data that can have legal and social implications.

Comparative Security: Safe vs. Risky Apps

Not all femtech apps pose the same level of risk. Apps with strong local data storage, encryption, and clear privacy policies are safer. Conversely, apps that store data on cloud servers, share with multiple third parties, or provide vague consent mechanisms are riskier. Users should evaluate apps carefully before sharing sensitive health information.

Protecting Your Privacy

Women can take several steps to protect their femtech data:

1. Read privacy policies carefully to understand data collection and sharing practices.
   
   

2. Use apps that allow data deletion and provide full control over sharing with third parties.
   
   

3. Limit sensitive entries to necessary information only.
   
   

4. Consider local storage apps that keep data on the device rather than in the cloud.
   
   

5. Monitor app permissions and revoke unnecessary access.
   
   

6. Stay informed about evolving privacy legislation and femtech regulation.
   
   

Future of FemTech: Safer Innovations Ahead

The femtech industry is poised for significant innovation, including AI-driven personalized health insights, enhanced encryption, and privacy-focused design. Advocates are pushing for stricter regulation to ensure apps protect women’s reproductive data while maintaining usability and convenience. Public health authorities could play a role in developing secure apps that prioritize safety over commercial profit.

Conclusion

Femtech offers enormous potential to empower women with actionable insights into their health. However, without adequate safeguards, sensitive data may be exposed, posing legal and privacy risks. Awareness, careful selection of apps, and advocacy for better regulation are essential to ensure these tools serve their intended purpose: empowering women safely and securely.

By prioritizing transparency, user consent, and data protection, the femtech industry can evolve into a sector that truly empowers women rather than exposing them to surveillance or legal risk.