Google Promises to Auto-Delete Location Data for Abortion Clinic Visits
Google announces it will automatically delete location history for users who visit abortion clinics, fertility centers, and domestic violence shelters. This policy change follows the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and growing concerns about digital privacy.
Google announces that it will automatically delete location history for users who visit sensitive medical facilities, including abortion clinics, fertility centers, and domestic violence shelters. This policy change comes just days after the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, a ruling that creates new legal risks for individuals seeking reproductive healthcare.
The company states that its systems will identify visits to these particularly personal locations and promptly remove the data from users' Location History. Additionally, Google plans to update its Fitbit app so that users can delete multiple menstrual cycle logs at once, making it easier to remove sensitive health information.
Despite these privacy updates, Google does not specify how it will handle potential law enforcement requests for user data. Lawmakers previously urge the tech giant to stop collecting unnecessary location data that prosecutors could potentially use against individuals seeking abortions in states where the procedure is now illegal.