Period apps that are safe to use as UK police can now take women's phones and check them for 'evidence'

Following the frightening news that British police can now trawl through mobile phones for 'evidence' of illegal abortions, many women have been left fearing what the stances of period/fertility apps are on the matter.

As per new guidance announced last month by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), officers looking into the causes of stillbirths, miscarriages and unexpected pregnancy losses have been granted the unnerving power.

Not only can women's houses be searched for abortion drugs in accordance with the new regulations, but menstrual cycle tracking apps - which the National Institute of Health believe 50 million women use worldwide on a regular basis - can now be investigated by police.

According to a spokesperson for the NPCC, the aim of the new protocol is to 'establish a woman’s knowledge and intention in relation to the pregnancy', and will only be acted upon 'where there is credible information to suggest criminal activity'.

"Police do not routinely investigate unexpected pregnancy loss," said representative continued. "We recognise how traumatic the experience of losing a child is, with many complexities involved, and any investigation of this nature and individuals will always be treated with the utmost sensitivity and compassion."

As we say, women across the country have been left concerned about the realities of the new guidance, with many desperate to know which period tracking apps will keep their data wholly protected.

Several period tracking apps have responded (Getty Stock Image)

How have apps responded?

Clue:

In response to the news, a 'shocked and outraged' Rhiannon White vowed her app, Clue, would 'never disclose private health data to any authority'.

Speaking to the Mirror, the app's CEO continued: "We have spoken loudly on this subject, particularly in the US since Roe Vs Wade was overturned in 2022.

"This same position applies to every region around the world. As a business, we have built our foundations on protecting women's rights to data privacy, body autonomy and health equity.

"We want to provide some clear and immediate actions women can do today to protect themselves better, alongside knowing our continuing commitment to protecting Clue members and their data privacy."

White went on to confirm that members will now be able to request to have their data wiped at any time, adding that they'll 'always have full control and autonomy over their own personal information'.

"We have never and will never share health data with authorities," she added. "We will aggressively challenge any such requests and will never allow our members' data to be used against them."

Spokespeople from Clue and Flo have spoken out (Getty Stock Image)

Flo:

Sue Khan - Vice President of Flo - also told the publication that they'll be protesting against the new guidance.

"Women deserve to be able to use technology to learn more about their bodies and their personal health, without fearing their data will be unjustly used or taken in a way they have not agreed upon," she explained.

Khan went on to slam the new guidance for 'breeding fear and hostility for women who are already going through an undoubtedly traumatic medical experience', adding that it also sets 'a dangerous precedent for weaponising technology built to serve women’s needs'.

As per a new update, Flo users will now have the freedom to activate 'Anonymous Mode'.

The VP described this as a 'a first-of-its-kind technology that gives you the option to access the Flo Health app without your name, email address, or any technical identifiers being associated with your health data'.

Khan added: "This means nobody, not even Flo, could identify you if pressed."