Flo App under fire for allegedly sharing sensitive user data without consent
Image: ROMAN ODINTSOV /pexels
We've all done it: tracking our intimate health, our periods, even our sex life, trusting an app to guide us through our most personal moments.
Now imagine learning that this same app may have shared your deeply private information without your consent. Flo Health, founded in 2015, is used by over 50 million women worldwide to track their menstrual cycles, monitor symptoms and gain insights on pregnancy or menopause.
Its popularity stems from its promise to empower women with knowledge about their bodies.
However, trust in the app has been shaken by allegations that Flo shared users' sensitive data, such as period dates, pregnancy details and even sexual activity, with third-party companies like Meta (formerly Facebook).
According to CBC, a lawsuit filed in the British Columbia Supreme Court claims Flo violated user trust by knowingly sharing this information without proper consent.
Similarly, in California, a class-action suit alleges that Flo used tracking tools, such as Meta's software development kits (SDKs), to transmit personal data for targeted advertising.
Both Flo and Meta deny these claims.
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Women rely on apps like Flo not only for convenience but also for taking control of their reproductive health, a deeply personal aspect of life. The idea that such intimate details could be shared with advertisers feels invasive and exploitative.
The implications extend beyond individual users. For millions of women in countries with restrictive reproductive laws, the misuse of such data could have dire consequences. For instance, in some regions, the misappropriation of menstrual data could lead to discrimination or even legal repercussions, especially in places where reproductive rights are under threat.
For example, with the US overturning Roe vs Wade and increasing scrutiny over reproductive rights worldwide, the stakes for privacy in femtech are higher than ever.
We've all done it: tracking our intimate health, our periods, even our sex life, trusting an app to guide us through our most personal moments.
Image: cottonbro studio/pexels
What the lawsuits are saying
The lawsuits against Flo are not isolated incidents; they're part of a broader reckoning in the tech industry about data privacy. The Canadian Lawsuit: Certified by the B.C. Supreme Court, this class action could affect over one million Canadian users. Lead plaintiff Jamie Kah Cate Lam alleges that while trying to conceive, she shared detailed information about her menstrual cycle and sex life with Flo, only to discover that this data may have been shared with third parties.
The US lawsuit: Filed in California, this case seeks $13 billion in damages for 13 million users who allegedly had their data shared without consent between 2016 and 2019.
In both cases, Flo denies the allegations, stating it has never sold or shared user data without permission. However, in 2021, Flo settled with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over similar allegations, agreeing to improve transparency without admitting wrongdoing.
The healthtech told Sifted: 'Flo is committed to protecting the privacy of its users, and any allegation otherwise has no merit. Flo has never sold user data and never will.'
While the lawsuits focus on Canada and the US, the issue resonates globally. In Europe, where Flo became the first femtech unicorn after raising $200 million, stricter privacy laws like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) hold companies to higher standards.
If Flo is found guilty, it could set a precedent for how femtech companies handle data worldwide.
As these lawsuits unfold, they serve as a wake-up call for all of us. Here's how you can protect yourself: Read privacy policies: While tedious, understanding what an app does with your data is crucial. Look for terms like "data sharing" and "third-party access."
While tedious, understanding what an app does with your data is crucial. Look for terms like "data sharing" and "third-party access." Limit data input: Only share the information you're comfortable with. Avoid entering highly sensitive details unless absolutely necessary.
Only share the information you're comfortable with. Avoid entering highly sensitive details unless absolutely necessary. Use apps with strong privacy standards, prioritise privacy and comply with strict regulations.
Stay informed: Watch for updates on lawsuits like Flo's, as they may influence how other apps handle your data.
Claims were also brought against Google as part of the same case, but were settled earlier this month for an undisclosed sum.
According to CBC, a lawsuit filed in the British Columbia Supreme Court claims Flo violated user trust by knowingly sharing this information without proper consent.
Image: TikTok
None of the lawsuit's claims has been proven in court. In a statement to CBC News on Friday, Flo said it "has never sold user information or shared user information with third parties for the purposes of advertising.
"Flo will vigorously defend against allegations stipulated in the case," the healthtech app said in a statement.
For women, this isn't just a legal issue; it's a deeply personal one. The apps we trust should empower us, not exploit us. As these cases unfold, let's demand accountability, advocate for better protections, and ensure that technology serves to uplift, not undermine, our most intimate experiences.
In a world where our data is currency, safeguarding reproductive health information isn't just about privacy; it's about dignity, autonomy and respect.
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