Session
Software Freedom Law Center
Angela Thomas, Counsel, Software Freedom Law Center
Angela Thomas, Counsel, Software Freedom Law Center
Organization's Website
Speakers
Angela Thomas, Counsel, Software Freedom Law Center
Onsite Moderator
N/A
Rapporteur
Angela Thomas, Counsel, Software Freedom Law Center
SDGs
3. Good Health and Well-Being
3.8
3.d
5. Gender Equality
5.b
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
9.c
12. Responsible Production and Consumption
12.6
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
16.10
17. Partnerships for the Goals
17.6
Targets: SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Target 3.8: The proposal aligns with this target by emphasizing the need for ethical data practices in menstruation apps, ensuring users have access to safe and transparent health-tracking technologies. By advocating for stronger data protection and user privacy, the proposal supports universal health coverage by preventing misuse of sensitive health data. Target 3.d: By addressing data privacy and security concerns, the proposal contributes to risk reduction and strengthens the ability of individuals and health systems to manage personal health risks, particularly in developing countries where digital health solutions are expanding. SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Target 5.b: The proposal promotes the responsible use of digital technology to empower women by ensuring menstruation apps are designed to respect user privacy and consent. It highlights the need for gender-sensitive data policies that protect women's digital rights and prevent exploitation. SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation Target 9.c: The proposal supports this target by advocating for the ethical development and regulation of digital health applications, ensuring inclusive and affordable access to safe health technology, particularly in low-income regions. SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Target 12.6: By encouraging menstruation app providers to adopt transparent and responsible data practices, the proposal promotes sustainable business models that prioritize user welfare over exploitative data monetization. SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels Target 16.10: The proposal calls for greater transparency in data collection and sharing practices of menstruation apps, ensuring that users have clear, accessible information about how their data is used. It also supports regulatory frameworks that uphold digital rights and privacy protections. SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Target 17.16: The proposal emphasizes the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, including policymakers, tech companies, civil society, and health organizations, to create ethical and privacy-conscious digital health solutions that align with global best practices.
3.8
3.d
5. Gender Equality
5.b
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
9.c
12. Responsible Production and Consumption
12.6
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
16.10
17. Partnerships for the Goals
17.6
Targets: SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Target 3.8: The proposal aligns with this target by emphasizing the need for ethical data practices in menstruation apps, ensuring users have access to safe and transparent health-tracking technologies. By advocating for stronger data protection and user privacy, the proposal supports universal health coverage by preventing misuse of sensitive health data. Target 3.d: By addressing data privacy and security concerns, the proposal contributes to risk reduction and strengthens the ability of individuals and health systems to manage personal health risks, particularly in developing countries where digital health solutions are expanding. SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Target 5.b: The proposal promotes the responsible use of digital technology to empower women by ensuring menstruation apps are designed to respect user privacy and consent. It highlights the need for gender-sensitive data policies that protect women's digital rights and prevent exploitation. SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation Target 9.c: The proposal supports this target by advocating for the ethical development and regulation of digital health applications, ensuring inclusive and affordable access to safe health technology, particularly in low-income regions. SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Target 12.6: By encouraging menstruation app providers to adopt transparent and responsible data practices, the proposal promotes sustainable business models that prioritize user welfare over exploitative data monetization. SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels Target 16.10: The proposal calls for greater transparency in data collection and sharing practices of menstruation apps, ensuring that users have clear, accessible information about how their data is used. It also supports regulatory frameworks that uphold digital rights and privacy protections. SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Target 17.16: The proposal emphasizes the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, including policymakers, tech companies, civil society, and health organizations, to create ethical and privacy-conscious digital health solutions that align with global best practices.
Format
Lightning Talk
Duration (minutes)
20
Description
Period-tracking apps promise convenience and personalized insights, but at what cost? This lightning talk will critically examine how menstruation apps collect, store, and share intimate health data—often beyond what is necessary for cycle tracking by focusing on 5 popular menstruation apps. With a focus on privacy risks, data governance, and compliance with data protection frameworks, it will uncover hidden data practices, the role of surveillance capitalism, and the urgent need for stronger regulatory safeguards.
The talk will also explore how these apps handle user consent, third-party data sharing, and accountability, highlighting regulatory gaps and potential safeguards. This session aligns with IGF2025’s theme of “[Building] Sustainable and Responsible Innovation,” addressing key issues of data transparency, privacy, and ethical considerations in emerging technologies.
Relevant Resource: SFLC.in – Menstruapps: Tracking Your Cycle or Tracking You? ( https://sflc.in/menstruapps-tracking-your-cycle-or-tracking-you/ )
To facilitate seamless engagement between onsite and online participants, the session will maintain a well-structured agenda that allocates specific time for virtual interaction. A live Q&A feature and real-time chat will allow remote attendees to participate actively, ensuring they have equal opportunities to contribute to discussions.
To facilitate seamless engagement between onsite and online participants, the session will maintain a well-structured agenda that allocates specific time for virtual interaction. A live Q&A feature and real-time chat will allow remote attendees to participate actively, ensuring they have equal opportunities to contribute to discussions.