How Is Your Abortion Privacy at Risk?
Companies cant protect you here; if theydont complywith valid requests they may face prosecution themselves.
A 2020 studyhighlighted the risks.
On iOS, you could edit app permissions inSettings > Privacy & Security.
Alternatively, you could steer clear of apps that request access to abortion-related data.
They could beexcessively harvesting user datathat might later be accessed in an investigation.
You ought to be very selective about the information you post online.
Add a passcode, password, or lock to your devices if you havent already.
Adopt the strongest security measures for extra protection, such as 6-digit passcodes.
Try not to use biometric authentication, such as face ID or fingerprint ID.
WhatsApp is also unfavorable because it collects a significant amount of user data.
If youre using Signal, see to it to unlock the apps disappearing messages feature.
Unlike many popular email service providers, ProtonMails password-protected feature lets you send end-to-end encrypted emails to any account.
The platform also allows you to send anonymous and self-destructing emails, and doesnt store your email content.
But remember that these services may still collect potentially incriminating messages that can be handed over to police.
This will help protect you when searching for information about abortion care online.
This prevents your data from leaking online.
US law enforcement could potentially request access to data passing through VPN providers based in these nations.
The best options also increase your anonymity by masking details like your IP address and machine.
Tor Browseris another privacy-focused web surfing app that cloaks your identity and location as you search online.
Tor adds an extra layer of privacy and anonymity to your data.
However, Tor is less user-friendly than other browsers and isnt completely secure on its own.
As such, pairing it with a VPN is crucial.
On Apple, switch off Location Services and the Share My Location feature to block access to your location.
On Android, toggle off your phones Location slider and disable Location services.
Note: Turning off your phones location tweaks will prevent some apps and services from working.
Your rig could leave behind a data trail that reveals your IP address and online activity.
Advertisers may have already stored data associated with your advertising ID.
However, this personalization comes at a cost.
Plus, it features security measures like PIN protection and a false screen setting.
You could also use an encrypted calendar app likeProtonCalendarto track your cycle.
This will help obscure the meaning of your notes, and keep your cycle private.
First, pay for abortion care, any medication, and abortion aftercare using cash.
Purchases made with your bank card show up on your bank statement, which police could read.
Once you receive your digital receipt, immediately delete the email and your account.
Look Out for Physical Surveillance Technology
Your phone and computer arent the only devices that monitor your movements.
Wearing a simple disguise can help you avoid identification by surveillance cameras.
A disguise will also help protect your identity from the public or anti-abortion protestors.
TheDobbs v. Jacksonruling has highlighted the deficiencies in Americas outdated privacy regulations.
There is a need for lawmakers to formulate national laws that offer enhanced protection for our online information.
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