With Roe vs Wade overturned, fears grow online data could be weaponised against abortion seekers in US
- Privacy groups worried that social media posts or information on apps could be used by authorities to build cases
- Activists and lawmakers have demanded tech firms including Google get rid of location data that could be wielded against abortion patients and doctors
Fearing a data dragnet weaponised against women seeking abortions and those helping them, privacy groups are warning that pregnancy-related information online might present a serious legal risk and demanding tech companies take action in the wake of America’s revocation of abortion rights.
For example, geolocation data or an internet search history might serve to incriminate women or those who help them in states that opt to ban abortion.
“This decision opens the door to law enforcement and private bounty hunters seeking vast amounts of private data,” said Centre for Democracy and Technology president Alexandra Reeve Givens.
“Tech companies must step up and play a crucial role in protecting women’s digital privacy,” she added.
Google, Facebook parent Meta and others track their users to sell ultra-targeted and personalised advertising space.