Project Summary

The FemTech case study focused on the intersection of cybersecurity, privacy, trust, and bias in female-oriented technologies (FemTech). FemTech encompasses a range of technologies, including mobile applications, websites, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, designed to address women’s health and wellness needs, such as fertility tracking, period management, and pregnancy monitoring.

This part of the AGENCY project aimd to investigate and address potential vulnerabilities and ethical concerns arising from the collection, storage, and use of sensitive personal data by FemTech products. Our results reveal how many FemTech apps and IoT devices begin tracking user data immediately upon opening, often before obtaining explicit user consent. Users are concerned and regulations are lacking in several aspects.

The FemTech case study is a collaborative effort involving researchers from AGENCY and beyond, as well as industrial partners. By addressing the cybersecurity, privacy, trust, and bias challenges in FemTech, this case study promoted the development and use of FemTech in a responsible and ethical manner, ensuring that women (and other users) can benefit from their potential without compromising their security or privacy.