US abortion war spotlights women’s risk from online tracking

Abortion rights activists attend a rally in front of the US Supreme Court building on May 5, 2022 in Washington, DC. Experts predict a prolonged battle between states and law enforcement agencies with different stances on abortion, where digital trails could become crucial evidence. — AFP

WASHINGTON/LOS ANGELES: A woman’s digital footprint risks becoming a dangerous weapon in the escalating US abortion wars, with experts urging women in the crossfire to leave less of a trace if Roe v. Wade falls.

Be it location data, social media posts or search histories – online records will carry greater risk if women lose their constitutional right to an abortion, the researchers say.