As we’ve been witnessing for some time now, anti-abortion legislation is rising across the US. Now, digital experts warn that states could resort to using the personal data of individuals to prosecute them.
Human rights movements are growing more concerned after leaked information that the Supreme Court may overturn Roe vs. Wade. Should this happen, another 20 states could introduce abortion bans, in addition to Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Mississippi, which have already passed such legislation.
The amount of data most of us leave online without even knowing is vast. Although it’s mostly used for advertising purposes and algorithm improvements, personal data could be used as a surveillance method and an efficient way to impose anti-abortion legislation.
The state could gather location data, search history, and even personal messages as evidence of illegal actions or planning them. This could signify that there will be unspoken rules about what online behavior is permitted, which opens doors to more worrying forms of repression.
Apps on your phone could also be used against you as evidence in court: period trackers, pregnancy apps, or any app designed to help women take proper care of their reproductive health. Data you input (when you were or were not on your period) could be used to prove that either you or your doctor were involved in criminal actions.
Many groups are already raising awareness about this problem and educating people on safeguarding their digital footprints when they research potentially sensitive information such as abortion facts or clinics. However, this is merely a way to remedy the situation of a problem that could easily bring serious consequences for the state of human rights in our country.
