AG Platkin Leads Multistate Coalition Urging Apple to Take Practical Steps to Protect Consumers’ Reproductive Health Information on Apple App Store in the Wake of U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs Decision

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin this week led a multistate coalition expressing concerns regarding reproductive health privacy on Apple’s App Store (the “App Store”) following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade and urging Apple to take commonsense steps to protect consumers’ private reproductive health information.

In a letter sent to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Attorney General Platkin led a group of 10 Attorneys General calling for privacy-enhancing measures.

As the letter explains, Apple has long promoted privacy as one of its “core values” on both the iOS platform and the App Store and has adopted a number of privacy and security measures that are consistent with its stated goals of protecting consumers’ privacy. But apps that collect private reproductive health data from consumers frequently fail to meet these same standards or to implement appropriate protections for this sensitive data, exposing consumers that seek or provide reproductive health care to potential action and harassment by law enforcement, private entities, or individuals.

This gap in Apple’s protections threatens the privacy and safety of App Store consumers, and runs directly counter to Apple’s publicly expressed commitment to protect user data.

“Protecting reproductive privacy in the wake of the Dobbs decision is paramount. Despite promoting privacy as one of its ‘core values’ Apple simply has not done enough to ensure that private reproductive health data collected and stored by apps will not be used to track, harass, or criminalize those seeking to exercise their reproductive freedoms,” said Attorney General Platkin. “With this letter, we are putting Apple executives on notice that New Jersey is prepared to use all its authority to impel them to protect the privacy of those accessing or providing legal reproductive health services”

ICYMI: New Jersey Department of Health Encourages Flu Shot, COVID-19 Boosters Ahead of Holidays

With holiday gatherings kicking off this week with Thanksgiving, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get their annual flu shot and COVID-19 booster when eligible, and is urging residents to take precautions as other respiratory illnesses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV), continue to circulate.

New Jersey, as well as much of the rest of the country, has seen an earlier start to the flu season this year. Respiratory Syncytial Virus as well as rhinovirus and enterovirus and COVID-19 are also circulating in the state. NJDOH is monitoring and watching hospitalizations and pediatric intensive care units daily throughout the state.

“As New Jerseyans begin to gather with friends and family for the upcoming holidays, it’s important for everyone to continue taking the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Getting vaccinated when recommended, practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene, and staying home when sick are ways residents can work together to have a happier and healthier holiday season.”

“Getting an annual flu shot will help protect everyone, particularly vulnerable residents such as younger children and older adults, from influenza,” said Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The Department is monitoring these respiratory illnesses closely, and their impact on hospitals and Emergency Departments.”

Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy Welcome Thousands of New Jersey Residents to Drumthwacket for Holiday Open Houses

Drumthwacket is open for the holidays! Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy are happy to invite New Jersey residents to attend The Holidays at Drumthwacket, a longstanding tradition of open houses at the Governor’s official residence in Princeton. The Drumthwacket Foundation, in partnership with six garden clubs from across New Jersey, has decorated each room in the public first-floor of the residence using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the architecture and decor of the historical property.

“Phil and I are happy to welcome thousands of New Jersey residents to what we like to call the People’s House for the holiday season,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The six fabulous garden clubs from across the state, along with the Drumthwacket Foundation, have done an amazing job this year in creating a magical winter wonderland at our historical Drumthwacket! This holiday season, as you spend time with loved ones, we hope that you can join us for this truly unique experience.”

The tours will be self-guided with several docents stationed throughout the residence to answer questions and provide historical information about the property. The open house tours will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the following dates:

• Saturday, December 3, 2022
• Sunday, December 4, 2022
• Monday, December 5, 2022
• Thursday, December 8, 2022
• Monday, December 12, 2022 
• Thursday, December 22, 2022

NJOHSP Cautions ‘Tis The Season To Stay Alert

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and its cybersecurity division, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, are cautioning the public to stay alert for signs of physical and cyber threats targeting individuals, organizations and businesses across the state during the upcoming holiday season. 

“Many of us enjoy activities associated with the holidays, whether shopping, attending services or spending time with loved ones, unfortunately there are those looking to take advantage and cause harm,” said NJOHSP Director Laurie R. Doran. “We need to remain vigilant and focused on our surroundings and be mindful of the best practices that keep us all safe. I urge everyone to do their part and alert the proper authorities to any activity that appears out of the ordinary.”