Data Security in a Post-Roe America

Navigating the landscape of reproductive rights has always been a complex and personal journey. However, in the wake of significant changes to abortion legislation, including the erosion of Roe v. Wade, the road ahead has become even more treacherous for individuals seeking access to safe and legal abortions. In the era of post-Roe America, safeguarding your online data has taken on heightened importance, as it can shield you from potential targeting by authoritarian forces aiming to curtail reproductive freedoms.

The digital footprints we leave behind have grown far-reaching, creating trails of information that can be exploited by those who oppose abortion rights. From the locations we frequent to the topics we explore and the connections we foster on social media, every online action can be scrutinized and turned against us. This article delves into the unsettling reality of how personal digital data can be weaponized to target individuals for prosecution due to their support of or involvement in abortion-related activities. By shedding light on the avenues through which your digital presence can be weaponized, we hope to empower you with the knowledge needed to protect yourself in an increasingly hostile environment.

As we examine the potential threats, it’s equally vital to explore solutions that can shield your privacy and provide you with the resources you need. This article also outlines practical tools and techniques to fortify your digital privacy, helping you maintain a sense of autonomy and security even as external forces attempt to infringe upon your rights. Furthermore, we recognize the need to provide comprehensive resources for those navigating the challenging landscape of unwanted pregnancies in states with restrictive abortion laws. The intersection of digital privacy tools and access to accurate reproductive health information forms the crux of our effort to equip you with the means to make informed choices about your body and future.

In the face of adversity, knowledge becomes the most potent armor. Let this article serve as your guide through the complex interplay of digital data and reproductive rights, empowering you to navigate these uncertain times with resilience, confidence, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding your autonomy.

Private Search Engines

1. DuckDuckGo

• Pros:
  • Does not track your searches or collect any personal information.
  • Uses a privacy-preserving proxy to hide your IP address.
  • Offers a variety of features to protect your privacy, such as private browsing and anonymous cookies.
  • Has a large index of websites and provides good search results.
• Cons:
  • Some users may find the search results to be less relevant than those of other search engines.
  • Does not offer some features that are available on other search engines, such as image search and video search.

2. Startpage

• Pros:
  • Uses the same search results as Google, but without tracking your searches.
  • Offers a variety of privacy features, such as private browsing and anonymous cookies.
  • Has a good user interface and is easy to use.
• Cons:
  • Not as popular as DuckDuckGo, so the search results may not be as relevant.
  • Does not offer some features that are available on other search engines, such as image search and video search.

3. Searx

• Pros:
  • A metasearch engine that aggregates results from multiple search engines, including DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Google.
  • Allows you to customize the search results by excluding certain search engines or by specifying the privacy settings.
  • Open source and can be self-hosted.
• Cons:
  • Can be slow to load results.
  • Not as user-friendly as other search engines.

Private Messaging Apps

1. Signal

• Pros:
  • Open source and audited by security experts.
  • Uses the Signal Protocol, which is one of the most secure encryption protocols available.
  • No ads or trackers.
  • Free and available on all major platforms.
• Cons:
  • Not as popular as some other messaging apps, so your contacts may not be using it.
  • The interface can be a bit clunky.

2. WhatsApp

• Pros:
  • Very popular, so you’re likely to have your contacts on it.
  • Uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls.
  • Offers a variety of features, such as group chats, voice messages, and video calls.
• Cons:
  • Not open source, so the security cannot be independently verified. *Owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), which has a history of privacy concerns.

3. Telegram

• Pros:
  • Very secure, with a focus on speed and performance.
  • Open source and has been independently audited.
  • Offers a variety of features, such as group chats, channels, and bots.
• Cons:
  • Not as popular as WhatsApp or Signal, so your contacts may not be using it.
  • The interface can be a bit confusing.

VPN

1. ExpressVPN

• Pros:
  • Very fast speeds.
  • Strong security features, including 256-bit encryption and a kill switch.
  • Large network of servers in over 94 countries.
  • Easy to use and configure.
• Cons:
  • Can be expensive.
  • No free plan.

2. NordVPN

• Pros:
  • Very affordable.
  • Large network of servers in over 59 countries.
  • Strong security features, including 256-bit encryption and a kill switch.
  • Easy to use and configure.
• Cons:
  • Speeds can be inconsistent.
  • Customer support can be slow to respond.

3. Surfshark

• Pros:
  • Very affordable.
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • Strong security features, including 256-bit encryption and a kill switch.
  • Easy to use and configure.
• Cons:
  • Some servers can be slow.
  • No free plan.

Free VPN:

• ProtonVPN
  • Pros:
    • Free plan with unlimited data.
    • Strong security features, including 256-bit encryption and a kill switch.
    • Large network of servers in over 60 countries.
    • Easy to use and configure.
  • Cons:
    • Speeds can be slow.
    • Fewer features than paid plans.

Anonymous Payments

• Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are designed to be anonymous. When you send or receive cryptocurrency, your identity is not revealed to the recipient. However, it is important to note that cryptocurrency transactions are still traceable on the blockchain, so it is not completely anonymous.
• Prepaid cards: Prepaid cards can be purchased with cash and do not require any personal information to be used. This makes them a good option for paying online anonymously. However, it is important to note that prepaid cards can be tracked by the merchant, so they are not completely anonymous.
• Virtual credit cards: Virtual credit cards are a type of credit card that is created and managed online. They can be used to make online payments without revealing your real credit card number. This makes them a good option for paying online anonymously. However, it is important to note that virtual credit cards can still be traced back to your real identity, so they are not completely anonymous.
• Cash: Cash is the most anonymous way to pay for goods and services. When you pay with cash, your identity is not revealed to the merchant. However, it is important to note that cash can be lost or stolen, so it is not the most secure payment method.

It is important to note that no payment method is completely anonymous. However, the methods listed above offer a higher degree of anonymity than traditional payment methods, such as credit cards and PayPal.

Health Tracking Apps

While not using technology at all is the safest choice, there are a few good apps for tracking health data with privacy policies that ensure your data won’t be shared with the state government or third parties. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Drip: Drip is a period tracking app that stores data locally on your device and does not share it with any third parties. It also has some privacy features, such as the ability to encrypt your data and delete it at any time.
• Euki: Euki is another period tracking app that offers strong privacy features. It stores data locally on your device and does not share it with any third parties. It also has several features to help you protect your privacy, such as the ability to create a fake name and email address for the app.
• Period Tracker by Flo: Flo is a popular period tracking app that also offers some privacy features. It stores data locally on your device by default, but you can choose to share it with the company if you want. Flo also has several features to help you protect your privacy, such as anonymous mode and the ability to create a fake name and email address for the app.
• Period Calendar: Period Calendar is a simple and free period tracking app that does not share your data with any third parties. It also has some privacy features, such as the ability to encrypt your data and delete it at any time.

It is important to note that no app is 100% secure. However, the apps listed above offer a good level of privacy protection. When choosing a health tracking app, it is important to read the privacy policy carefully and to choose an app that meets your specific needs.

Here are some additional tips for protecting your health data privacy:

• Only use apps that have strong privacy policies.
• Do not share your login information with anyone else.
• Keep your app up to date with the latest security patches.
• Be careful about what information you share on social media.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your health data privacy.

Burner Phones

When buying a burner phone, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• The cost: Burner phones can be very inexpensive, but there are also some more expensive options available. If you are only planning on using the phone for a short time, then a cheaper option may be sufficient. However, if you need a phone that will last longer, then you may want to consider a more expensive option.
• The features: Burner phones typically have limited features, such as basic calling and texting capabilities. However, some burner phones offer more advanced features, such as the ability to access the internet or install apps. If you need a phone with more features, then you will need to pay more for it.
• The privacy: Burner phones are designed to be used for privacy purposes. This means that the phone should not be able to track your location or your activities. When choosing a burner phone, it is important to read the privacy policy carefully to make sure that the phone meets your privacy needs.

Here are some additional tips for buying a burner phone:

• Pay in cash: This will help to protect your privacy.
• Do not use your real name or address: This will also help to protect your privacy.
• Do not register the phone with your real phone number: This will make it more difficult for people to track you.
• Use a secure operating system: This will help to protect your data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
• Delete your call history and text messages regularly: This will help to keep your activities private.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your burner phone is as secure and private as possible.