Democratic Lawmakers Demand FTC Investigation Into Tech Data Practices Post-Roe
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, four Democratic lawmakers urge the FTC to investigate Apple and Google for collecting and selling personal data that could be used to surveil pregnancies.
Four Democratic lawmakers are calling on federal regulators to investigate Apple and Google over their handling of personal mobile data. This request comes immediately after the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, an action that removes constitutional protections for abortion and triggers expected bans in roughly half of U.S. states. The legislators send a formal letter to Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, demanding scrutiny into how the two tech giants enable the collection and sale of user information to third parties.
Privacy experts warn that this sudden legal shift makes women highly vulnerable to digital surveillance. Everyday digital tools like period tracking apps, fitness trackers, online search engines, and health advice helplines serve as rich sources of sensitive data. In states where abortion is now illegal, this information could be used to monitor pregnancies without the users' knowledge or consent.
The lawmakers express deep concern that this harvested data could end up in the hands of law enforcement or be sold to vigilante groups looking to penalize those seeking abortions. By pushing for this federal probe, the senators and representatives aim to hold major technology companies accountable for deceptive data practices. They argue that these platforms mislead millions of users by failing to protect highly sensitive health information during a time of increased legal risk.