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
Red text Seeing Through Surveillance Why Policymakers Should Look Past the Hype. Background is grey static.

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
Stylized streetscape with four rows of colorful buildings.

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

News & Commentary
Flock camera

California Communities Rally to “Get the Flock Out”

For many people, mass tracking is simply incompatible with a free society.
News & Commentary
Automatic License Plate Reader

ACLU California and EFF Ask California Supreme Court to Recognize the Harm of License Plate Surveillance

The Court of Appeal’s new requirement would undermine the purpose of SB 34 and the California constitutional right to privacy.
Know Your Rights
collage with hands holding cell phone and a snippet of an administrative subpoena

When the Government Demands Info About Your Online Accounts

How to fight an administrative subpoena that directs a technology company to turn over information about you and your online accounts.
Press Release
drone flying overhead

ACLU Settles Lawsuit with Sonoma County, Curbing Invasive Runaway Drone Surveillance Program that Trampled People’s Privacy

ACLU Settlement Victory for Privacy Protections
Issue Areas: Privacy and Technology
Court Cases: Schmitz, et al. v. Permit Sonoma, et al.
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.