PATRIOT Act

Resources

Published: 
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
The past few years have seen numerous attempts to reform the notorious Patriot Act and its problematic provisions which the NSA has interpreted to permit unprecedented dragnet surveillance. None have been successful, thanks in large part to the continued fearmongering of the “war on terror.”
Published: 
Friday, October 28, 2011
One disturbing consequence of the Patriot Act, which just marked its ten-year anniversary, is how it has been used for law enforcement actions not related to combating terrorism -- the rationale for the Act's passage. A glaring example can be seen in the use of "sneak and peak” searches for drug crimes.
Published: 
Thursday, July 22, 2010
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.
News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
An ACLU overview of steps to passing a local resolution opposing the USA PATRIOT Act and other anti-liberty features of the Homeland Security program.
News Release, Published: 
Friday, November 20, 2009
The ACLU is working to reform the excesses of the PATRIOT Act and is seeking passage of the Security and Freedom Enhancement Act (SAFE Act) to provide needed checks and balances.
News Release, Published: 
Friday, November 20, 2009
As the nation approaches the one-year anniversary of the USA PATRIOT Act, the American Civil Liberties Union today announced a new nationwide effort to recover the freedoms that Attorney General John Ashcroft and the Bush Administration have rolled back since last year's terrorist attacks. "Keep America Safe and Free: The Campaign to Defend the Constitution" is a national effort involving litigation, grassroots organizing, and community education in all 50 states.
News Release, Published: 
Friday, November 20, 2009
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington is offering free legal advice to booksellers in the state who receive subpoenas or search warrants seeking disclosure of customer purchase records. The ACLU is making the offer in letters sent to booksellers statewide.
News Release, Published: 
Friday, November 20, 2009
Senator Patty Murray and Representatives Jay Inslee and Jim McDermott were among the brave members of Congress who opposed the renewal of the PATRIOT Act. Show your support for their decision!