Privacy and Technology

The ACLU of Northern California defends the right to privacy guaranteed by the California Constitution and fights for social justice in the digital age. We work to stop dangerous government surveillance, eliminate bias in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, and restrict the online collection and use of our personal data.

Outline of the state of California with a man in a suit holding a sign that says "Defend Against Surveillance" and a camera
On the right half, picture of an eye covered with ones and zeros. On the left side, a picutre of the US capitol, with "with the people" superimposed on top.

Making Artificial Intelligence Work for the People

People deserve to have control over their lives and futures. And increasingly, that means having a say in how AI will be used to shape the world around us. To that end, we've created resources for policymakers, companies, and people who want to ensure AI is used the right way.

Read our resources
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Seeing Through Surveillance: Why Policymakers Should Look Past the Hype

With AI looming and rights under attack, surveillance is becoming more powerful, and more dangerous. This report gives policymakers the resources they need to see through the surveillance hype in order to pursue real public safety.

Read the report
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Privacy and Free Speech: It's Good for Business

Our primer gives companies a step-by-step guide on how to protect their users' rights — and their brand's reputation. With concrete recommendations and dozens of case studies, we explain why companies can and must weave privacy and free speech into their business model.

Explore
Collage of the California Constition. It include text on the top right that says "California's Right to Privacy Turns 50." In the left side of the image is a California flag and a clipping of article 1 seciton 1 from the state constitional. In the right is a dissolved image of the original California constition's header.

California Constitutional Right to Privacy

Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution guarantees an “inalienable” right to privacy that applies both to government and private entities. For the last five decades, it has helped to safeguard our homes, our families, our bodies, our thoughts, and our associations from invasion by government and corporate interests.

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The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU Sues San Francisco Landlords over AI-Powered Surveillance in Tenants' Homes

Issue Areas: Privacy and Technology
Press Release
Graphic of Automatic license plate readers

Lawsuit Challenges San Jose’s Warrantless ALPR Mass Surveillance

EFF and the ACLU of Northern California Sue on Behalf of Local Nonprofits
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, Privacy and Technology
News & Commentary
person on cell phone, eyeball, and surveillance camera

Mass Surveillance in the Trump Era

The Trump administration is weaponizing technology to build a mass-surveillance state.
Know Your Rights
Iphone taking photo

Know Your Rights: Taking Video or Photos of Law Enforcement

Taking photographs of things that are plainly visible from public spaces is a constitutional right – and that includes federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police and other government officials carrying out their duties. Unfortunately, there is a widespread, continuing pattern of law enforcement officers ordering people to stop taking photographs from public places, and harassing, detaining, and arresting those who fail to comply.
Campaign
Nov 2024

Making Artificial Intelligence Work for the People

People deserve to have control over their lives and futures. And increasingly, that means having a say in how, when, and where AI will be used.
Campaign
Sep 2023

California Constitutional Right to Privacy

Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution guarantees an “inalienable” right to privacy that applies both to government and private entities. For the last five decades, our constitutional right to privacy has helped to safeguard our homes, our families, our bodies, our thoughts, and our associations from invasion by government and corporate interests
Campaign
Dec 2021

Protect & Promote Digital Rights

Our ability to communicate, connect, mobilize for social change, and even attend work and school depends largely on whether we can access the internet and freely engage with others on online platforms.