Post-Roe Digital Privacy Fears Prompt App Deletions and Caution
The overturning of Roe v. Wade creates unprecedented digital privacy concerns as people worry their online data could be used against them in states with abortion bans. Advocates urge extreme caution regarding digital trails left by period trackers, search histories, and location data.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade creates unprecedented digital privacy concerns as people worry their online data could be used against them in states with abortion bans. Following the Supreme Court ruling, a wave of women deletes menstrual cycle apps out of fear that this sensitive information could serve as evidence in future investigations.
Digital privacy advocates urge both abortion seekers and supporters to err on the side of caution, noting that the depth of information accessible to police is unlike anything in human history. Experts warn that prosecutors could potentially use call histories, text messages, location data, online payment records, Google searches, and fertility tracking information to build cases against individuals seeking reproductive care.
The sheer volume of personal data produced in the digital age makes it extraordinarily difficult for individuals to completely erase their digital trails. As states enact new restrictions, Democratic lawmakers in Congress are working on plans to better protect people's personal data as it relates to reproductive health, though the full scope of how this data might be weaponized remains unknown.