The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has urged all app developers to prioritise user privacy following its review of period and fertility apps.

Last year, the regulator investigated period and fertility apps to understand how they process personal data and identify whether there is a negative impact on users as a result.

The ICO said that while it didn’t find evidence that these apps are using their data in a way that could cause them harm, the review found that there are improvements developers could make to make sure they are meeting their privacy obligations.

“Signing up to an app often involves handing over large amounts of personal information, especially with apps that support our health and wellbeing," said Emily Keaney, deputy commissioner regulatory policy. "Users deserve peace of mind that their data is secure, and they are only expected to share information that is necessary."

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