Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#1

Post by krinn_silver » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 9:03 PM UTC

One sentiment from the recent Roe v Wade decision is that women should be careful about their data as law enforcement could use it to determine if they had an abortion.

Period tracker apps are quite popular, and even a form of contraception [1]. They technically don't need to access the data (although they may wish to for analytics/monetisation), so it seems to me like a perfect candidate for E2E encryption. But I can't find any that advertise they use E2E encryption (just a vague "we encrypt your data" in their privacy statement).

Is anyone working on this?

[1]: https://www.naturalcycles.com

Disclaimer: I'm a man, and I don't live in the US. My wife and I are just concerned onlookers.

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#2

Post by jacob019 » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 9:31 PM UTC

Why would such an app need to go online at all? Maybe you can find an open source option on f-droid.

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#3

Post by dexwiz » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 9:38 PM UTC

Period tracker apps are already shady, most sell data. Future mothers buy a ton of stuff, and it’s very valuable to know when to time ads for these people.

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#4

Post by 0ccupied » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 9:42 PM UTC

The Cycle Tracking app built into iOS’s Health app is E2EE.

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#5

Post by giaour » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 9:46 PM UTC

I would only look for E2E encryption in such an app if its data were synchronized across multiple devices. Otherwise, there should be no E2E communication from the app at all, encrypted or not. Cycle tracking should be able to work with local data.

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#6

Post by nickphx » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 9:47 PM UTC

Why add to the noise of apps and add to the possible confusion when a simple paper calendar would work?

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#7

Post by RedComet » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 9:49 PM UTC

Where do you live, might I ask?

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#8

Post by nikolqy » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 10:10 PM UTC

Thinking the people who support abortion are on your side is the issue. The people supporting abortion are the same people who make period tracker apps and the same people that run the companies that buy that data. Think about it.

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#9

Post by seasily » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 10:36 PM UTC

No post body was provided.

Re: Ask HN: E2E Encrypted Period Trackers?

#10

Post by booi » Fri, Jun 24, 2022, 10:55 PM UTC

nickphx wrote: post #6

Why add to the noise of apps and add to the possible confusion when a simple paper calendar would work?

  * Handy push notification early reminders
  * paper calendars have no security/privacy
  * app would always be available, not just at home  
  * ability to mark start/stop wherever/whenever and not just when the paper is nearby
  * app can track trends, make suggestions and predictions
  * can make historical data available to medical professionals

need any more?