Homeland Security Surveillance

TSA Pat-Downs

Position: support

Status: Did not pass out of committee.

These joint memorials would have sent a message from the legislature to the federal government that the Transportation Safety Administration’s new enhanced pat-down procedures violate civil liberties. The procedures are invasions of personal privacy that do little to make us safer. The ACLU has received numerous complaints from travelers nationwide who have found the pat-downs to be onerous violations of their dignity. Read More »

Topics:

"Top Secret America" Sheds Light on the Intelligence-Industrial Complex

Randy Tyler

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 12:12 pm

This week, the Seattle Times is running a Washington Post expose on the vast American intelligence bureaucracy. Called Top Secret America, the series delves deep into the underbelly of the intelligence world and exposes a runaway freight train that costs a pretty penny and does little to keep us safe. Of particular significance to ACLU-ers, the series documents official frustration with data overload, notes the high cost and low efficacy of the expanding network of programs and agencies, and highlights concerns with the increasing role of private intelligence contractors. Those familiar with our work on surveillance and privacy will recognize these issues as common refrains. Read More »

1 comment |
Add new comment |
Like (63 Likes)

Topics:

Chinn Case Is Just The Tip of the Surveillance Iceberg

Randy Tyler

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 at 11:02 am

Well, that settles it – government surveillance without suspicion is a costly endeavor. The case surrounding the false arrest of Phil Chinn –the Olympia activist targeted for surveillance based on his political associations – has come to a close. Unfortunately, a new ACLU report on political spying shows that coordinated efforts to target political activists for surveillance persist not only throughout Washington, but throughout the country. Read More »

Topics:

Government Surveillance Without Suspicion: Watching the Watchers

Randy Tyler

Thursday, June 10th, 2010 at 11:46 am

Government surveillance of political activists without any suspicion of wrongdoing is unfortunately all too familiar, but recent events and evidence show that the problem is increasingly widespread.

The ACLU-WA is working to keep its fingers on the pulse of the surveillance state and ensure that laws and policies are in place to safeguard our civil liberties. To help you see the big picture, we’ve created a new feature on our website highlighting what we've learned so far.

Surveiling Only With Suspicion

Bills: SB 6432, HB 2798

Position: support

Status: Hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee was held on Jan. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Topics:

ACLU-WA Seeks to Protect Privacy for Highway Toll Payments

Topics:

ACLU Letter to UTC Requesting Investigation of Phone Companies

The American Civil Liberties Union is troubled by recent media reports claiming that telephone companies have regularly shared consumer telephone records with the National Security Agency without legal authority. If true, these companies have seriously violated the privacy of their customers by disclosing information that reveals their associations, interests and a host of personal details about their lives. Read More »

Topics:

McCarthy v. Barrett

Anti-war activists are pursuing a lawsuit challenging Tacoma Police Department actions that violated their rights at demonstrations at the Port of Tacoma. The suit asserts police conducted unlawful arrests, imposed unconstitutional restrictions, used unreasonable force, and engaged in unauthorized surveillance in order to discourage and prevent peaceful protest. Read More »

Topics: