Internet Privacy Is A Disability Rights Issue

Imagine being forced to disclose sensitive data related to your health or identity to access basic activities and services needed to fully participate in society. Then, imagine disclosing that information repeatedly, as new services you’d like to take advantage of come online. Unfortunately, this scenario is the lived experience of many people with disabilities. On top of it being essentially impossible for anyone to understand online data practices, disabled people in particular are often in situations where they are unable to protect information about their health status, as they are often forced to choose between accessing necessary services and technologies (like standardized tests, rideshares, or assistive apps) and keeping their information private. This “choice,” of course, is hardly a choice at all...