I'm a trans minor w/ a uterus. I've seen a few posts saying to delete all period tracking apps/devices/services etc. and paper track. Is there any reason why? I use the free version of the period tracker "Stardust", because it also has the moon cycles. I'm not sure how well known it is.
So is there any reason why we should start paper tracking? Is it that there is actually a possible threat of people checking through your period apps? For what purposes?
Tysm. I think we're all struggling rn. I hope you're doing well <333
We'll get through this, I know we will.
Hi!!! first of all, thank you for asking and second congrats on being the very first ask I got!
The main reason why people are saying we should delete period tracker apps is that these period tracker apps will often keep your data and if you were to get into trouble for receiving an abortion, then law enforcement would request your data regardless of its "anonymized" status or not. They would still be able to track it back to you and your identity.
Although there is always that reason there's a lot more. for example:
Most of these apps are considered lifestyle apps, which aren't protected by HIPPA laws.
companies can buy and use your private information
there is no legislation protecting you and your data
Stardust, however, does have an encryption code system that they use. Stardust said this in the caption of their most recent Instagram post:
"We keep your data safe by storing your contact information with third parties and storing your health data against a random account ID. This means that we do not link your health data to your real-world identity."
I personally use Stardust but I am still wary of using it and I'm not exactly sure if it would still be completely safe if you live in a state like Texas or Georgia, which has incredibly restrictive laws.
The reason people are urging others to go back to the brick-and-mortar calendar method is because of concerns about data leaks that could be used against you. More specifically, the data of your last period, your last ovulation cycle, among all the other aspects of your cycle can be studied to determine whether or not you may have been pregnant and received an abortion.
At the end of the day, it's gonna be up to you if you trust Stardust, but my advice would be to only use it if you're in a blue state with access to abortion, confident you will not get pregnant from a sexual partner (SA still can happen so be wary), and finally if you decide you can trust Stardust.
For anyone interested in how to track your period via the calendar method, I suggest you consult this article from Planned Parenthood..
And to B, thank you for asking this question, it's greatly appreciated. If you (or anyone else) have questions, concerns, or needs support, please don't hesitate to reach out to me in my dm's or through asks.
