Data privacy concerns make the post-Roe era uncharted territory

Author: Juliana Kim

Publisher: National Public Radio

Publication Year: 2022

Summary: The following article discusses the role of data in the post-Roe vs. Wade legal framework. Several states have limited or banned abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe in June. The reversal of Roe and subsequent restriction of abortion has opened the door to the ethically dubious collection and use of private data. Data experts predict that law enforcement will utilize texts, emails, internet search history, menstrual apps, and more to investigate and gather evidence against people seeking reproductive care. In addition to law enforcement, in some states civilians can earn money by filing civil lawsuits if they think that an abortion was performed. These bounty hunters will be seeking out personal data as well. Additionally, data experts suggest that people of color will likely face more stringent digital surveillance.