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Show HN: I made a privacy friendly and simple app to track my menstruation (play.google.com)

732 points by stormqueen · 838 days ago · 196 comments on HN

Article summary

The author has created a simple period tracker app called Lady Log, which prioritizes user privacy and does not collect or share data with third parties. The app is available on the Google Play Store and offers in-app purchases for additional themes. The app's developer aims to provide a privacy-friendly alternative to existing period tracking apps. The app's features include quick recording, notes, personalized design, calendar, statistics, and fertile days tracking.

Main themes

  • Period tracking
  • User privacy
  • App development
  • In-app purchases
  • Open-source alternatives
  • Data security

What commenters say

  • The existence of in-app purchases in a privacy-centric app is a dealbreaker due to the potential for data collection and targeting.
  • In-app purchases can be a reasonable way for developers to sustain themselves while providing a valuable service to users, as long as they are transparent and do not compromise user privacy.
  • Open-sourcing the app and making it available on F-Droid could be a way to increase trust and transparency, and to provide an alternative to the Google Play Store.
  • The use of Google Analytics in the app's homepage raises concerns about user privacy, and alternative analytics tools that prioritize privacy should be considered.
  • The app's developer should consider adding a license to the app's code to allow users to submit bug fixes and new features, and to increase transparency and community involvement.
  • The stakes for user privacy in period tracking apps are high, particularly in jurisdictions where reproductive health is heavily regulated, and apps must prioritize user privacy and security.
  • Making additional themes available as in-app purchases is a reasonable way to fund the project, as long as existing features are not hidden behind a paywall.
  • The app's description in the store should clearly state what the in-app purchases are, to avoid suspicion and increase transparency.