Facebook Turns Over Private User Data To Police In Abortion Case

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many privacy experts sounded the alarm on what Facebook could potentially do with users’ sensitive medical data. And, as it was revealed this week, those fears were well founded. According to multiple reports, the social media giant has given Nebraska law enforcement officials the user data of a mother and daughter facing criminal charges for allegedly carrying out an illegal abortion.

Private messages were among the data handed over by Facebook, allegedly containing conversations between the mother and daughter about purchasing abortion pills and getting rid of the prematurely born fetus. And while what the pair did is against Nebraska law, many experts are blasting Facebook for being so willing to turn over private info to the police — and for gathering so much of it.

“Companies like Facebook… need to stop collecting and retaining so much intimate information about us in the first place,” privacy advocate Evan Greer told The Guardian. “Every tech company will tell you the same thing: they comply with law enforcement requests in the jurisdictions where they operate. The only way for companies like Facebook to meaningfully protect people is for them to ensure that they do not have access to user data or communications when a law enforcement agency comes knocking.”

Of course, Facebook has built its entire business model on collecting our personal info, so it isn’t likely to stop anytime soon. However, with the amount of public and internal pressure it’s facing over this decision, the company may be forced to cut back on the amount of our medical data it scoops up.




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