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

The Latest

Press Release
A finger presses a button on a digital door lock

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
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.
Legislation
Mar 18, 2026

Pass the Freedom from Face Surveillance Act (AB 1034)

Police body cameras were intended for officer accountability, not public surveillance. The use of facial recognition on body cameras would break this promise, transforming these devices into a vehicle for mass surveillance.
Status: Inactive
Legislation
Mar 18, 2026

Stop Reverse Demand Warrants (AB 793)

Reverse warrants are a form of unconstitutional digital surveillance that compel tech companies to search their records and reveal the identities of all people who looked up a particular keyword online or were in a certain area at a certain time.
Status: Inactive
Legislation
Mar 18, 2026

Prevent Expansion Of Facial Recognition Tech (Oppose AB 2261)

While AB 2261 purported to protect privacy, it did the opposite.
Status: Inactive / Oppose
Legislation
Mar 18, 2026

The Body Camera Accountability Act (AB 1215)

Status: SIGNED