Government Surveillance
Watch the ACLU of Washington’s SPY FILES video
In the name of national security, the government has created a comprehensive, unchecked information-sharing network that lacks accountability. Law enforcement agencies can now monitor, collect, and share individuals’ phone calls, e-mails, and records without evidence of criminal activity.
When government officials use their authority to target individuals based on their unpopular views, it undermines essential rights in a democratic society. Robust public debate over the central issues of the day is chilled, harming free speech rights. Our project seeks to investigate, expose and curtail government surveillance of lawful activity without suspicion.
Is it happening here?
- For over two years, and without any suspicion of criminal activity, a military spy infiltrated area peace groups
- After receiving a tip that his car carried “three identified anarchists, “police wrongfully arrested an area man headed for a peace demonstration in May 2007
What’s wrong with surveillance without suspicion?
Federal, state and local governments have teamed up with private contractors to investigate, compile and store the political, religious and social activities of countless law-abiding Americans.
Washington State is home to a sophisticated surveillance network, a pilot program for reporting “suspicious activities,” and a variety of “fusion centers” aimed at putting it all together.
The ACLU has been seeking public documents to learn more about the government’s surveillance activities. Records disclosed by public agencies reveal troubling abuses of government authority.
The ACLU is working to expose and curtail government erosion of traditional safeguards meant to protect our privacy and constitutional rights through litigation, advocacy and legislation.
