Chapter 1: The Impact of Roe v. Wade on Women's Privacy

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, many women are opting to delete their period tracking applications out of fear of potential repercussions. This raises an important question: should tech companies be held accountable for protecting their users' data?

As significant news events unfold, they often trigger immediate and intense reactions reflected in the media and on social platforms. However, the broader implications and subsequent changes that arise from these events tend to receive less attention. Recently, the Supreme Court's decision to leave the legality of abortions to individual states has sparked widespread protests and discussions regarding societal views on women's rights. One notable consequence of this ruling has been a growing distrust among women towards period tracking apps, signaling a larger trend of skepticism towards tech companies and their handling of personal data. This situation prompts a critical evaluation of the responsibilities of these companies when it comes to sharing user data with governmental entities.

The Mass Exodus from Apps

Why are women choosing to abandon their period tracker apps? With the looming threat of losing bodily autonomy, there's a valid concern that the data stored within these apps could be used against women. Since abortion can alter menstrual cycles, women who consistently log their periods may inadvertently disclose their abortion status to app developers. In states where abortion is criminalized, this sensitive data could potentially serve as incriminating evidence, risking imprisonment for those who choose to terminate a pregnancy.

In response, many women have decided to revert to traditional methods of tracking their menstrual cycles, opting out of technological assistance entirely. While some apps have made efforts to reassure users by implementing data safety measures, including encryption and easy deletion options, the underlying issue remains. Permissions often requested by these apps, such as location and health information, heighten concerns about government access to personal data in extreme circumstances. This growing unease reflects a fear of an increasingly authoritarian government and a pervasive distrust in tech companies. The longstanding issue of data misuse by corporations like Meta and Google, previously seen as abstract, now feels acutely personal.

A Shift Towards Privacy

For years, society has gradually sacrificed privacy for the sake of convenience, especially with the rise of smartphones. As these devices have become more integral to our lives, the permissions required for their functionality have expanded significantly. Smartphones can access a range of personal information, from text messages to health data and location tracking. While operating systems have made strides to improve transparency, this came only after many users had unwittingly accepted invasive data practices as the norm.

This slow encroachment raises a critical question: when does the invasion of privacy become intolerable? Although people often joke about targeted advertisements, the moment women are compelled to delete their period tracking apps signals a pivotal shift. The realization that personal data could be weaponized in legal contexts has prompted many to reconsider the permissions they grant to apps, moving away from ignorance toward a more informed approach.

While users ultimately decide which permissions to enable, tech companies and app developers bear a significant share of the responsibility in this discourse. Historically, they have navigated these challenges without facing serious consequences, profiting from data collection with minimal pushback. Now, with government involvement in the user-tech relationship, there exists an opportunity to demand accountability from these companies.

The Tech Industry's Responsibility

As smartphones have taken center stage in our daily lives, they have also become instrumental in the prosecution of individuals. Text messages can serve as legal evidence, while location data helps authorities track individuals. Companies like Apple are striving to make smartphones comprehensive repositories for sensitive information, a stark contrast to the limitations of earlier devices like flip phones.

A notable case occurred in 2016 when Apple refused to assist the FBI in unlocking an iPhone belonging to a terrorist involved in the San Bernardino attack, citing security concerns. While Apple maintained its stance against government pressure, not every company possesses the same resilience. Smaller developers and manufacturers may find themselves more vulnerable to government demands.

It is imperative that these companies adhere to strict standards for safeguarding user data, akin to the responsibilities banks have in managing financial assets. As the intersection of government power and personal data grows increasingly complex, it is essential that tech firms proactively prioritize the protection of user information, rather than reacting to crises after the fact.

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