Facebook helps police snag a teen and her mom over abortion

For years, civil rights activists have sounded the alarm on the cozy relationship between social media companies and law enforcement and its potential for troubling surveillance practices. But social media platforms continue to attract and retain users, leaving hundreds of millions of Americans susceptible to snooping, potentially aided by their favorite apps. The Supreme Court’s decision in June to overturn federal abortion rights set the foundation for a robust anti-abortion surveillance state that relies heavily on social media platforms, and a recent incident in Nebraska reveals how it might operate.Earlier this week, NBC News reported that Facebook assisted Nebraska police in their recent investigation into a teen and her mother accused of performing an abortion in violation of Nebraska law. Jessica Burgess is alleged to have supplied her then-17-year-old daughter, Celeste, with abortion bills and helping bury the fetus. Both women have pleaded not guilty to charges related to performing an abortion, concealing a body and providing false information.The incident is alleged to have taken place in April, before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Nebraska law bans abortions after 20 weeks, and authorities allege Celeste Burgess had a miscarriage at 23 weeks, shortly after taking abortion bills.Here’s how NBC…
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