Technology & Civil Liberties
We defend and promote social justice in the digital age.
Our movements for civil rights and social justice are as critical today as ever – but now that we live in a digital world and rely on technology to communicate, connect, mobilize, and access basic necessities – we often must fight on new terrain.
We work to build a world where technology works for the people and enriches our lives, connects us with opportunities, and supports a just and equitable society.
Our Focus:
- We build on the inalienable constitutional rights guaranteed to all Californians to safeguard and promote privacy, free expression and other rights for people in this state and far beyond.
- We uncover and stop dangerous government surveillance and build real public safety.
- We empower people to have meaningful choices about how and when they use technology and to ensure that they can control how their personal information is collected, shared, and used.
- We work across social movements to build power to defend and promote equity and justice in the digital age.
Technology & Civil Liberties Legislation
The Freedom from Surveillance Act (AB 1034)
Privacy & Technology, Racial and Economic Justice
Update: This bill has been gut and amended. 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 …
Stop Reverse Demands (AB 793)
Criminal Justice & Policing, LGBTQI Rights, Privacy & Technology, Reproductive Justice & Gender Equity
Dragnet surveillance demands – so-called “reverse warrants”, “geofence warrants,” or “keyword warrants” – are a form of unconstitutional digital surveillance that put people at grave risk in a Post-Roe America. They can compel tech companies …
Keep Facial Recognition Off Police Body Cameras (SB 1038)
Criminal Justice & Policing, Privacy & Technology, Racial and Economic Justice
Biometric Surveillance (face recognition) on police body cameras enables pervasive monitoring of the public without their knowledge or consent, registering and reporting who we are and where we go. These tracking systems are inconsistent. Facial …