Protecting the Privacy of Individuals with Disabilities: A Call to Action

Former CDT intern Sydney Brinker contributed to the research for this article, shedding light on the challenges faced by people with disabilities when it comes to protecting their personal and health-related data online. The article highlights the difficult choices individuals with disabilities often have to make when accessing necessary services and technologies, such as standardized tests, rideshares, and assistive apps, that require the disclosure of sensitive information.

The piece emphasizes the importance of data minimization and purpose limitation in protecting the privacy of disabled individuals, advocating for comprehensive federal privacy legislation like the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) to safeguard health and disability information. It also delves into specific examples where disabled people are forced to disclose their disability status, such as when requesting accommodations for high-stakes exams or accessing transportation services like Uber.

Furthermore, the article raises concerns about the potential misuse of disability-related data collected by companies, particularly in the case of assistive technology like smart medical wearables and apps for blind or low-vision individuals. It calls for greater accountability on the part of companies to protect the privacy of this data and for legislators to prioritize the needs of disabled individuals in crafting privacy legislation.

Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of recognizing internet privacy as a disability rights and justice issue, urging leaders in the disability community to advocate for stronger privacy protections to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in society without compromising their personal information.