Algorithmic Ad Blocking Impeding Access to Abortion Information in Colombia

Dr. María M. Vivas, a medical professional specializing in reproductive health, has inadvertently found herself on the front lines of a technological battle. Her field of work, already heavily politicized, faces additional hurdles due to algorithmic ad blocking that suppresses crucial abortion information. Vivas emphasizes the significance of accessible information, categorizing it as a fundamental pathway to abortion rights which, when restricted, becomes a barrier to access.

The Intersection of Technology and Reproductive Health

Algorithmic ad blockers, often used to filter out unwanted online content, have the unintended consequence of also limiting the distribution of reproductive health information in regions like Colombia. This phenomenon can be traced back to the complex web of policies that govern online platforms and their advertising systems, which are, in turn, powered by companies like Alphabet Inc. GOOG, the parent company of Google. As a dominant force in the global technology sector and one of the world's most valuable companies, Alphabet's practices can have wide-reaching implications, including on the availability of healthcare information.

Abortion Rights and Information Access

Access to accurate information is vital for women making informed decisions about their reproductive health, yet algorithmic biases can inadvertently act as gatekeepers. By stifiling sensitive content related to abortion, these algorithms decide what information reaches users, often based on opaque criteria. This creates a digital environment where critical healthcare information can be suppressed, infringing on the right to knowledge and autonomy over one’s body.

abortion, technology, rights