Court Reveals: Meta Accessed Women’s Health Data from Flo App Without Consent

A jury recently found that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, accessed sensitive data from a women’s health app without permission. The app, Flo Health, has been popular since its launch in 2015, originally creating a platform for tracking menstrual cycles but has grown to cover many aspects of women’s reproductive health.

The issue began with Erica Frasco, who filed a class-action lawsuit against Flo Health after a 2019 report by the Wall Street Journal highlighted privacy violations. Frasco, who started using the app in 2017, provided highly personal information, including details about her menstrual cycle, mood, and even pregnancy efforts. Flo Health claimed it wouldn’t share this data with third parties unless essential for its services. However, from 2016 to 2019, it disclosed this intimate data to companies like Facebook and Google, along with other marketing firms.

Court documents reveal that by December 2020, Flo Health had amassed 150 million users, all of whom believed their information was secure. The app’s privacy policy emphasized its commitment to user trust and data protection.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) got involved and settled with Flo Health in 2021, requiring a review of its privacy practices. The ongoing class-action lawsuit includes claims of invasion of privacy and breach of contract. While Flo Health and Google have settled with plaintiffs, Meta has not. The jury found that Meta “eavesdropped” on users without their consent.

This case raises significant privacy concerns, especially for women, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The implications of sharing private health data become stark where law enforcement can potentially misuse such information, as seen when Meta provided police with messages related to abortion.

Many are now questioning the safety of health apps. A report by ProPublica also revealed that online pharmacies selling abortion pills shared sensitive information with Google, raising alarms about user privacy. As technology aims to provide convenience, it’s essential to acknowledge its potential risks.

The reflection here is clear: trust in apps like Flo Health can quickly dissolve, and users must consider the consequences of sharing personal data in the digital age.



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