Technology

Technology provides unprecedented access to information, links people around the world, and gives voice to those who might not otherwise be heard. However, if deployed without adequate protections for privacy and free speech, it can become a tool that tramples constitutional rights. From protecting privacy and free speech on the Internet to pushing back against censorship and government surveillance, the ACLU of Northern California works to safeguard civil liberties as society harnesses the benefits of new technology.

Say No to Library Internet Censorship
With the growth in importance of the Internet as a pivotal means of accessing information at the library, the age-old issues of library censorship have followed.
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Internet Free Speech
The Internet is a crucial platform for the distribution and discussion of news and current events, creative expression, and other constitutionally protected speech. The ACLU of Northern California works to ensure that the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment are protected online.
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Connecting the Dots... Surveillance in Our Society
Since September 11th, surveillance in our society has increased at an alarming rate. It is up to us to “connect the dots” on government surveillance and to see the big picture of parallel developments in the worlds of technology, law, politics, and business, and shed light on the overall danger of far-reaching government surveillance.
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ACLU Issues Report on the Proliferation of Video Surveillance Systems in California
California cities are moving quickly to install video surveillance cameras on public streets and plazas without regulations, with little or no public debate, and without an evaluation of their effectiveness. "Under the Watchful Eye," a new report issued by the California ACLU affiliates, examines the justifications for and consequences of this dramatic expansion in government video surveillance of public space at the local level.
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Don’t Let Internet “Hot Spots” Chill Privacy and Free Speech
Cities throughout Northern California are in the process of developing new municipal wireless Internet programs, often called WiFi, with little to no consideration of the privacy and free speech implications of such systems. Many of these communities are considering systems that track the user’s identity, websites viewed, and the location from which individuals access information.
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Don’t Chip Our Rights Away!
The ACLU has been working to protect privacy, personal safety, and financial security and bring attention to the risks associated with the use of RFID technology in identification documents. This page contains many resources about RFID and the landmark California legislation, the Identity Information Protection Act.
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