Clue

Our Findings

• Clue demonstrates strong privacy through GDPR compliance, data minimization practices, encryption protocols, and user control over analytics consent, positioning it well for users. However, reported instances of period-tracking data appearing on data marketplaces and extensive third-party sharing, with limited granular controls, raise concerns about data-broker involvement and downstream data handling beyond the company's direct control. Users can request data deletion within one month, though recovery from third-party services may not be guaranteed.

Strengths

• Clue's data is governed by German and European GDPR, and they've stated they will not comply with any subpoena demanding access to user data.
• You can request a copy of your tracked data to be sent to the email address associated with your Clue account.
• All personal data collected for providing their service is deleted by them as soon as it is no longer required for the purpose for which it was collected.
• When your data is sent between your device and Clue servers, they use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS).
• For Google Analytics, you can withdraw consent for this use of your data at any time. This withdrawal only applies to future activities.
• [auto] State it uses encryption (at rest and in transit)

Weaknesses

• Motherboard (https://www.vice.com/en/article/data-marketplace-selling-clue-period-tracking-data/) reported that Clue period-tracking data was found on a data marketplace, raising questions about data-broker involvement.
• Extensive third-party data sharing with multiple vendors (analytics, marketing, monitoring, payment, support platforms) without granular user control explicitly stated.
• Request the complete deletion of your data, including all past data sent to third-party services used for tracking and analysis, by emailing <trust@helloclue.com>. Your data will be deleted within 1 month.

What We Couldn't Find

• Any public controversy about this product's data handling

Our Findings

• The product demonstrates strong regulatory standing, with FDA clearance and international registrations, supported by peer-reviewed, independently conducted studies with rigorous methodology and adequate sample sizes. Marketing claims appear truthful with publicly stated accuracy rates and clear limitation disclaimers, further bolstered by legitimate partnerships with medical institutions and active professional involvement in development. However, the product would benefit from more clearly delineating clinical versus wellness features, and independent reviews regarding accuracy and reliability present a mixed picture.

Strengths

• Have FDA clearance or approval
• Registered with other regulatory bodies (CE mark, TGA, etc.)
• Peer-reviewed published studies supporting this product's claims
• Have studies conducted independently (not company-funded)
• Studies have adequate sample sizes and rigorous design (RCT, blinded)
• Aaccuracy rates or efficacy numbers publicly stated
• Have named partnerships with hospitals or academic institutions
• Medical professionals actively involved in product development
• Have partnerships for research purposes (not just marketing endorsements)
• Have independent expert or media reviews of this product
• Include clear disclaimers about its limitations
• Marketing language truthful and not overpromising

Weaknesses

• Could do better with clearly distinguishing between clinical and wellness features

What We Couldn't Find

• Independent reviews mixed about accuracy and reliability

Our Findings

• Clue demonstrates exceptional strength across all evaluated areas, with leadership bringing direct women's health and clinical expertise, combined with relevant healthcare industry experience. The company has established credibility through transparent leadership information, a clearly defined and operationalized women's health mission, active clinical advisory support with qualified experts, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the field through research and public advocacy. No concerns were identified in any aspect of the Foundation evaluation.

Strengths

• Founders or key leaders have direct women's health or clinical expertise
• Leaders have relevant healthcare or health-tech industry experience
• Leadership information publicly available and verifiable
• Have a specific, actionable women's health mission
• Mission reflected in actual product decisions and company actions
• Have a named advisory board or clinical consultants
• Advisors have relevant women's health credentials
• Advisors appear to have active, ongoing roles (not just names on a page)
• Published research or presented at conferences on women's health
• Engage in public advocacy or education on women's health
• Product's marketing respectful and educational
• Marketing align with the company's stated mission and values
• Marketing free of exploitative or misleading tactics

Weaknesses

• None noted.

Our Findings

• Clue demonstrates strong inclusive design across representation, language accessibility, and pricing structure, with evidence of diverse user testing and community partnerships. However, significant gaps exist in technical accessibility features—including screen reader support and adequate contrast ratios—and the interface may not accommodate users with lower technological literacy. Additionally, the lack of financial assistance options or insurance coverage integration limits accessibility for economically disadvantaged populations.

Strengths

• Product available in multiple languages
• Marketing imagery includes diverse racial and ethnic representation
• Representation of diverse body sizes, ages, and abilities
• Language is inclusive of LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse users
• A free tier that provides meaningful functionality
• Paid tier reasonably priced for the target audience
• Partner with community health organizations
• Outreach to underserved or marginalized communities
• Engage with user feedback from diverse communities
• Evidence the product was tested with diverse user groups
• Accommodate different bodies, cycles, or health conditions

Weaknesses

• Could improve on basic accessibility standards (screen reader support, sufficient contrast)
• Doesn't have an interface usable for people with varying tech literacy
• Doesn't offer financial assistance, sliding scale, or insurance coverage