Can my period tracking app data be subpoenaed?
Your period tracking app data could be subpoenaed, depending on where you live and the situation. If law enforcement or a government agency gets a subpoena or court order, they could access the data since it’s stored on a server. Many period tracking apps collect personal details like your cycle dates, symptoms, pregnancy tests, or even notes about seeking an abortion. If that data is online, it could be vulnerable to legal requests.
This is especially concerning with abortion bans. If abortion becomes illegal or restricted in certain states, and someone tracks their period or pregnancy status on an app, that data could potentially be used against them. For example, if someone has a missed period or a positive pregnancy test recorded, and they later seek an abortion in a state where it’s banned, authorities might use that information as evidence.
So, it’s good to be aware of how your app handles your data. Some apps may claim they’ll protect your privacy, but it’s still possible that data could be subpoenaed. If privacy is a big concern, you might want to consider apps with clear privacy policies or even track things offline if you’re feeling cautious.