Technology

Technology

Technology

The advance of technology presents both opportunities for and challenges to liberty. As new technologies are implemented, their impacts on civil liberties must be given consideration. The ACLU supports uses of technology that enhance privacy and freedom while opposing those that undermine liberty and move us closer to a surveillance society.
Seattle has passed the strongest surveillance transparency and accountability protections in the country!
ACLU of Washington sues Tacoma Police Department for not disclosing stingray surveillance records
How do automated decision systems affect our lives? An ACLU-WA blog series

Resources

Remove the Surveillance Cameras from Cal Anderson Park

Published: 
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
In February 2008, without notice and despite a city council budget restriction to the contrary, former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels pulled a political end-around to have police surveillance cameras installed in Cal Anderson Park. At the time, the action was defended with the explanation that this was just a pilot program that would allow the the city to evaluate the effectiveness of the cameras. The forced pilot project ended in late January of this year, but as of April, the cameras were still recording 24 hours a day, unbeknown to the police or city council.
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Camerahead Project Dramatizes Surveillance

News Release, Published: 
Friday, May 7, 2010
The ACLU passed out informational flyers as Camerahead agents took their performance art to Seattle's Cal Anderson Park.
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ACLU Backs Bill to Prevent Use of Toll Payments to Track Travels

News Release, Published: 
Friday, January 22, 2010
A hearing was held in the Senate Transportation Committee on Jan. 21, at 1:30 p.m. on a bill (SB 6499) sponsored by Sen. Ed Murray that would prevent government and private parties from tracking individuals' travels based on their use of toll facilities.
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ACLU Defends Seattle's Ban on Police Spying on Political Groups

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Letter from Kathleen Taylor re: An effort by some police officials to repeal or significantly modify Seattle’s Police Intelligence Ordinance.
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Libraries, the Internet, and the Law: Adults Must Have Unfiltered Access

News Release, Published: 
Monday, January 11, 2010
Background on the effect of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) on public computer access at libraries.
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ACLU of Washington Urges Open Internet Access in AT&T and Comcast Merger

News Release, Published: 
Monday, January 11, 2010
As an organization dedicated to fostering free speech, the open exchange of ideas, and access to information, the American Civil Liberties Union urges you to consider closely the ways in which the merger of AT&T and Comcast could limit these liberties. There is a danger that if cable becomes the dominant provider of Internet connections, the Internet will come under the private control of companies that are unrestrained by competition or regulation.
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Travel Without Tracking: Employer Access to ORCA Info Restricted

News Release, Published: 
Thursday, January 7, 2010
After months of advocacy, the ACLU scored another win for privacy, this time with a new regional transit card. As with the Enhanced Driver’s License, we worked to limit the potential for tracking and monitoring of individuals without their knowledge.
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ACLU-WA Seeks to Protect Privacy for Highway Toll Payments

News Release, Published: 
Monday, December 7, 2009
The ACLU-WA is working with legislators to add privacy protections to bills that authorize tolling and set up a photo enforcement system on the Highway 520 bridge
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Surveillance Cameras In Parks

News Release, Published: 
Friday, December 4, 2009
Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata on Surveillance Cameras in Parks
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Big Brother in the Parks: ACLU-WA Opposes Police Surveillance Cameras

News Release, Published: 
Friday, December 4, 2009
Research has shown that government cameras in public places don’t reduce crime. The ACLU-WA has been a vocal opponent of efforts to place police surveillance cameras in Seattle parks.
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