The article is urging people to support A.B. 793, a bill that was authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta to protect individuals who are seeking abortion and gender-affirming care from digital surveillance by law enforcement. The bill targets “reverse demands,” “geofence warrants,” or “keyword warrants” which are tools used by law enforcement officials to reveal the identities of individuals who have been near a specific place or searched for specific keywords online. These tools have been proven to be ineffective and can often lead to false arrests and violate people’s privacy without cause.
The broad warrants pose an even greater threat following the Dobbs decision and an increase in state law criminalizing gender-affirming care. People are coming to California to get the necessary care they can no longer receive at home and law enforcement officials from other states can ask for data on who’s been around certain clinics or searched for information on how to seek care in California.
Although law enforcement officials in California want to stop the bill, it is important that people make their voices heard to their Assemblymembers in support of A.B. 793. The bill not only safeguards people’s privacy but also protects individuals seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care in California. Over 50 civil liberties, reproductive justice, healthcare equity, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have joined the effort to support the bill, including NARAL Pro-Choice California, Equality California, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.
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