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
Photo of a person recording cell phone video of a protest.

The MacArthur Justice Center and the ACLU Demand Transparency About DHS Agents’ Pattern of Targeting People Who Film Them

The advocacy organizations filed suit to enforce a FOIA request sent late last year that the agencies have failed to respond to
Press Release
hands holding cell phone

Canadian Trump Critic Sues to Stop Google from Sharing Personal Information with Department of Homeland Security

DHS unlawfully attempted to obtain personal information, including location and physical movements, of Canadian citizen
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
Legislation

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

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

Prevent Expansion Of Facial Recognition Tech (Oppose AB 2261)

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

The Body Camera Accountability Act (AB 1215)

Status: SIGNED