Five senators are calling on Apple and Google to stop apps from collecting data that could be targeted at those seeking abortions. According to CNET, a group of senators are concerned that the data could end up in the hands of the authorities.
On Friday, the group sent a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook. In it, senators express concern that anti-abortion prosecutors will attempt to collect personal information “in ways that threaten the well-being of those who exercise their right to choose.” The information they may collect includes location, online activity, health status, and biometric data.
This letter came after a draft was leaked from the Supreme Court saying it could strike down abortion rights in Roe v. Wade. A separate letter was sent on Tuesday asking the senators to stop collecting location data from apps that could target abortion seekers.
The senators also point out that many apps in the Apple and Google app stores collect this data on a regular basis and sell it to brokers. What’s more, there’s nothing stopping data brokers from selling data to prosecutors or “even vigilantes.”
Specifically, the senators note that an app user’s fertility data, browsing history showing an interest in contraceptives, or location information showing a user has visited a gynecologist could be used by those “who intend to harass, intimidate, and harm individuals who are seeking abortions or who are simply taking steps to improve their reproductive health.”
Both letters ask the tech giants to update their data usage and sharing policies. All of these efforts are aimed at protecting the safety and well-being of women seeking an abortion. Neither Apple nor Google commented on the letters.
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