Flo Health App Settlement

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Flo Health regarding the alleged misuse of user data and private health information on the Flo app. According to plaintiffs, women who used the Flo app to track their periods, ovulation and pregnancies were unaware that the app had software that “secretly” collected their personal information, and then shared that personal data with third-parties and advertisers.

The lawsuit follows a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation in which the agency alleged Flo Health misled users about their data collection practices. Flo settled the allegations with the FTC in January 2021 and agreed to stop misrepresenting how it uses the personal data of clients. The company also planned to notify all app users if their data was shared with third parties. Flo Health agreed to instruct third parties to destroy the collected health data but it is not known if and when that will happen.

Understanding the Flo Health App Settlement

Flo Health, one of the world’s most popular women’s health and period-tracking apps, has faced significant legal scrutiny over how it handled sensitive user data. The recent settlement with Meta stems from allegations that the company misled millions of users about its privacy practices.

Although Flo promised that health information — such as menstrual cycles, fertility data, and pregnancy tracking — would remain confidential, investigations revealed that the company allegedly shared this personal data with third parties, including major tech platforms like Facebook and Google, for advertising and analytics purposes.

Why the Settlement Matters for Consumers

The Flo Health settlement is more than just a single case — it highlights growing risks consumers face in the age of mobile apps and digital health tools. Period tracking apps, fertility apps, and wellness platforms collect vast amounts of intimate data. If misused, this data could reveal deeply personal information, such as:

• Fertility struggles
• Pregnancy planning
• Menstrual irregularities
• Potential health conditions

Privacy Risks in Digital Health Apps

The Flo case demonstrates how misconfigured data policies and deceptive marketing can put users at risk. Some of the top risks include:

• Unauthorized Data Sharing: Sensitive reproductive health data may be sold to advertisers.
• Profiling & Targeted Ads: Personal health information can fuel targeted ads that feel invasive and manipulative.
• Data Breaches: Apps that fail to secure sensitive health records leave users vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• Legal & Employment Risks: In some scenarios, improperly disclosed health information could affect insurance eligibility or workplace protections.

Consumers should be cautious when using any digital health app, reviewing privacy settings, and being mindful of the permissions they grant.

The Flo Health case highlights a growing area of litigation involving consumer privacy violations. Advertisers and data brokers have been collecting personal data and amassing profiles that may allow consumer tracking on all connected devices. The class action lawsuit filed aims to stop Flo Health’s “unlawful practices and sequester its unlawfully obtained information.”

The Lyon Firm is a Data Privacy Attorney investigating claims of data misuse, personal data theft, and data breach events for plaintiffs nationwide. Joe Lyon has experience engaging large corporations in data privacy lawsuits and has the resources to reach large settlements on behalf of clients.

Flo Health Data Collection

According to the lawsuit, the Flo Health app collects private data from more than 150 million users. Flo users, however, were assured by privacy policies that the company would only share certain personal data with third parties for a better user experience. Advertising and corporate profits, of course, do not create a better consumer experience.

Plaintiffs claim that Flo promised they would not disclose data related to health to marketing firms. In the end, Flo disclosed their users’ private health data in an unrestricted manner for some time. Attorneys even claim that Flo, and other apps that collect data, generate a large portion of revenue from selling personal data to advertisers.

Some of the personal data collected may include users’ name, email address, gender, date of birth, password, location, weight, body temperature, menstrual cycle dates, and other private health information including sexual activity. According to attorneys and the original FTC complaint, Flo allegedly shared “intimate details” of consumers’ reproductive health with third parties.

What This Means for Digital Health Users

The Flo settlement serves as a cautionary tale. It shows that consumers must carefully evaluate the data collection practices of any app they download. The case also underscores the importance of regulatory enforcement in the era of big data and mobile health.

If you used Flo Health or another health app and are concerned your private data was misused, you may be eligible to join a class action or file a lawsuit. Victims of data privacy violations may seek compensation for:

• Loss of privacy and emotional distress
• Misuse of sensitive health information
• Unauthorized sharing of reproductive or medical data

Taking Legal Action:

• Contacting a privacy attorney helps determine eligibility for compensation.
• Law firms specializing in consumer class actions and data privacy lawsuits can advise on settlement claims.
• Pursuing legal action not only protects your rights but also holds companies accountable.

The Legal Case Against Flo Health

The lawsuit alleged that Flo Health violated consumer protection laws by making false claims about data privacy. Specifically, the company told users their health data would remain private, but investigations revealed that information was sent to third parties for marketing.

As part of the settlement:

• Flo Health agreed to undergo independent privacy audits for 20 years.
• The company must obtain affirmative consent from users before sharing data.
• Consumers were reminded that companies can be held accountable under consumer protection and privacy laws when they misrepresent how sensitive information is used.

While financial compensation to users was limited, the broader impact is clear: digital health companies are now on notice. Misleading privacy claims will not go unchallenged.

By filing a claim against Flo Health or other companies who violate consumer privacy statues, you cannot only be compensated but can hold accountable those who mishandle and misuse personal data. Consumers have a right to ensure that their personal data is protected and not sold to any company willing to purchase it for various uses that do not benefit the consumer.

Consumers have a right to control how their health data is used, and when those rights are violated, they may file a data misuse claim. Consumers also have a right to know how a company collects, maintains, uses, sells, or protects personal data.

Flo Health has already settled with the FTC, which may satisfy the government, but the filed class action has the ability to compensate personal victims for the allegedly unlawful data sharing practice. If you have used the Flo Health app and have had your personal information exposed, contact a personal data theft attorney to investigate.

The Lyon Firm offers free consultations, and as a consumer, you can allow us to handle the complex proceedings on your behalf. Every class member will have an opportunity to claim whatever compensation the courts see as appropriate.

FAQ: Flo Health App Settlement & Privacy Rights

Q: What was the Flo Health lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit centered on allegations that Flo Health shared sensitive reproductive health data with third parties despite promising users their information would remain private.

Q: Will users receive compensation?
A: While Flo agreed to new compliance measures and audits, individual financial compensation to users is limited. The settlement’s main impact was stronger privacy enforcement.

Q: Can I still take legal action against Flo Health?
A: Depending on your circumstances, you may still have legal options. A privacy attorney can help evaluate whether you are eligible to join related lawsuits.

Q: What are the risks of using period tracking apps?
A: Risks include unauthorized data sharing, targeted advertising, and exposure to cyberattacks. Misused data can also affect insurance or employment decisions in certain cases.

Q: How can I protect myself when using health apps?
A: Read privacy policies, minimize data permissions, and use trusted platforms. If you believe your data was misused, consider consulting with a data privacy lawyer.