Over data security concerns, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is reviewing period and fertility trackers.

Menstrual cycles are plotted based on the information provided by the user.

In addition to calculating when to conceive, they provide advice on a variety of period-related health issues.

According to the ICO, many users are concerned about the security and transparency of their data.

According to a survey the regulator conducted, a third of women use apps to track their periods or fertility.

Five-nine percent of respondents expressed concern about data transparency, and five-seven percent expressed concerns about security.

More than half of those who use the apps believe they have seen more baby or fertility-related ads since signing up. In spite of a positive response from some consumers, 17% described receiving these advertisements as distressing.

ICO deputy commissioner Emily Keaney said the respondents’ fears were understandable given the sensitive and personal information at stake.

In addition to protecting users’ privacy, we expect organisations to have transparent policies,” she said.

This review is intended to establish both the good and bad of how the apps are working currently. Among the concerns it will investigate is whether app privacy policies are unnecessarily complicated or confusing, leaving users uncertain about what information they have shared.

Apps will also be reviewed for unnecessary data requests and storage, and for upsetting targeted advertising that users did not consent to.

Researchers at the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps found that most period trackers share data with third parties.aOver data security concerns, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is reviewing period and fertility trackers.

Menstrual cycles are plotted based on the information provided by the user.

In addition to calculating when to conceive, they provide advice on a variety of period-related health issues.

According to the ICO, many users are concerned about the security and transparency of their data.

According to a survey the regulator conducted, a third of women use apps to track their periods or fertility.

Five-nine percent of respondents expressed concern about data transparency, and five-seven percent expressed concerns about security.

More than half of those who use the apps believe they have seen more baby or fertility-related ads since signing up. In spite of a positive response from some consumers, 17% described receiving these advertisements as distressing.

ICO deputy commissioner Emily Keaney said the respondents’ fears were understandable given the sensitive and personal information at stake.

In addition to protecting users’ privacy, we expect organisations to have transparent policies,” she said.

This review is intended to establish both the good and bad of how the apps are working currently. Among the concerns it will investigate is whether app privacy policies are unnecessarily complicated or confusing, leaving users uncertain about what information they have shared.

Apps will also be reviewed for unnecessary data requests and storage, and for upsetting targeted advertising that users did not consent to.

Researchers at the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps found that most period trackers share data with third parties.