Part 1: how anti-abortion activism is exploiting data

Part 1: how anti-abortion activism is exploiting data

Monday, July 22, 2019

Intrusive data collection software and digital marketing systems are being developed and promulgated around the world by powerful and politically connected US-based anti-abortion organisations.

As anti-abortion organisations wake up to the utility of personal data to tailor and target messages online, data-intensive technologies and tools are being specifically developed for crisis pregnancy centres – which reportedly sometimes masquerade as licensed medical facilities and which have been criticised for providing those seeking medical help with false and misleading information.

Continued: https://www.privacyinternational.org/long-read/3096/part-1-how-anti-abortion-activism-exploiting-data

Google changes policy to block misleading ads for anti-abortion groups

Google changes policy to block misleading ads for anti-abortion groups
Announcement comes after Guardian revealed Google gave $150,000 in free ads to opaque anti-abortion group

Vivian Ho and Stephanie Kirchgaessner
Tue 21 May 2019

Google has changed its advertising policy after facing scrutiny for providing tens of thousands of dollars in free advertising to an anti-abortion group that runs misleading ads designed to deter women from terminating their pregnancies.

Google announced this week that starting in June, advertisers running ads “using keywords related to getting an abortion” will first have to distinguish themselves as an organization that “either provides abortions or does not provide abortions”, according to the new policy update.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/may/20/google-changes-policy-to-block-misleading-abortion-clinic-ads

Canada – ‘Completely cross the line’: Anti-abortion ads on buses taken down

‘Completely cross the line’: Anti-abortion ads on buses taken down
Controversial anti-abortion ad removed from buses

Chase Banger, CTV Kitchener
Published Thursday, April 4, 2019

A local sexual health centre is condemning anti-abortion advertisements on GRT buses, calling them “wholly inaccurate.”

The advertisements state abortion is linked to suicide, substance abuse, breast cancer, depression and infertility.

They direct people to KW Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization based in Kitchener.

Continued: https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/completely-cross-the-line-anti-abortion-ads-on-buses-taken-down-1.4366142

Anti-abortion flyers found in breach of South Australia electoral laws

Anti-abortion flyers found in breach of South Australia electoral laws

By Rebecca Puddy
Posted Feb 7, 2019

Anti-abortion campaigners say they have been ordered by the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) to stop letterboxing flyers and driving a mobile billboard around Adelaide.

The ECSA's decision comes ahead of Saturday's by-election in Cheltenham and Enfield. It follows legislation being introduced to Parliament late last year to remove abortion from the state's crimes act.

Continued; https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-08/anti-abortion-campaign-ordered-to-stop-ahead-of-by-election/10785096

Italy – Abortion top cause of femicide – posters

Abortion top cause of femicide - posters
Calls for Mayor Raggi to intervene

Redazione ANSA Rome
14 May 2018

(ANSA) - Rome, May 14 - The appearance of new billboard posters declaring that "abortion is the top cause of femicide in the world" have sparked shock and anger in the Italian capital.

The ads were run by the CitizenGO campaign ahead of an anti-abortion march in the city on Saturday.

Continued: http://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2018/05/14/abortion-top-cause-of-femicide-posters_a0d6a3c2-096b-4212-931a-5ed254d24f27.html

14.05.2018

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Ireland – Referendum advertising rules hit strategies for final fortnight

Referendum advertising rules hit strategies for final fortnight
No side claim Facebook and Google announcements are the result of Yes lobbying

May 12, 2018
Peter Murtagh

“We are here in Dublin with ProtectThe8th this morning. Pray for us! #warroomsessions”, said the Facebook posting by Fuzati, conveying something of a mixture of giddy excitement and determination.

The photo below the message showed an unkempt room in a Georgian house, complete with Adams-style fireplace, a fine plaster ceiling and a pair of large, closed double doors leading into another room.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-referendum/referendum-advertising-rules-hit-strategies-for-final-fortnight-1.3492141

Ireland – Una Mullally: What was No side up to online that was so crucial?

Una Mullally: What was No side up to online that was so crucial?
Reaction to Facebook and Google referendum ad ban is tactic straight out of Trump playbook

May 11, 2018
Una Mullally

The issue of dubious online campaigning, which for so long was flagged by observers in the run up to the abortion referendum, snapped into focus this week.

While legislators had plenty of time since 2016 to tackle the potential impact of online campaigning or online interference in our democratic process, the digital space remained unregulated as the referendum campaign kicked off.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-referendum/una-mullally-what-was-no-side-up-to-online-that-was-so-crucial-1.3491739

Ireland – Google ad ban delivers major blow to No campaign

Google ad ban delivers major blow to No campaign
Surprise move deprives anti-abortion campaigners of key strategic element
May 10, 2018
Pat Leahy

Google’s decision to ban all ads related to the abortion referendum has been welcomed by repeal campaigners but sharply criticised by the No campaign, which called the move “scandalous” and “an attempt to rig the referendum”.

Google’s surprise move to ban all ads comes a day after Facebook said it would ban all online ads about the referendum from foreign sources. The Google decision goes much further, and deprives anti-abortion campaigners of a key element of their strategy for the final two weeks of the campaign.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/google-ad-ban-delivers-major-blow-to-no-campaign-1.3489623

American Pro-Lifers Are Using Facebook To Sway Ireland’s Abortion Debate

American Pro-Lifers Are Using Facebook To Sway Ireland's Abortion Debate

By Jason Murdock
On 4/26/18

Facebook accounts managed by pro-life activists living in the U.S. are reportedly being used to influence the opinions of voters ahead of Ireland’s May 25 referendum on repealing the country’s strict abortion ban.

On Wednesday, Facebook launched a new transparency tool in Ireland designed to provide clarity over how ads are served, but admitted that because it was still in the pilot stage it would not yet show who was funding them.

Continued: http://www.newsweek.com/american-pro-lifers-are-using-facebook-sway-irelands-abortion-debate-902355

Why are polls and Facebook ads at odds in Ireland’s abortion referendum?

Why are polls and Facebook ads at odds in Ireland's abortion referendum?
By Ammar Ebrahim

BBC Trending
14 April 2018

While opinion polls show a comfortable lead for the pro-choice side in an upcoming referendum on abortion in Ireland, one set of figures indicates pro-life paid adverts are gaining more traction on Facebook.

On 25 May, Ireland will vote on whether to keep the 8th amendment to the country's constitution, which states that the life of a mother and an unborn baby are equal. It's the basis for Irish laws which make abortion illegal in all but life-threatening cases.

Continued: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-43758286