Privacy and Surveillance

The ACLU works to expand the right to privacy, increase the control individuals have over their personal information, and ensure civil liberties are not compromised by technological innovation.

Image collage of a passport, surveillance cameras, and a person using a smartphone.

We are fighting for everyone’s right to privacy and freedom from excessive surveillance.

The lack of strong privacy laws endangers all of us — especially vulnerable communities like immigrants, protesters, and people seeking and providing reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare.

The ACLU advocates for modern data privacy laws and community awareness of excessive surveillance. We do this through our public records requests and ongoing engagement with state and local government.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU of Massachusetts Applauds House Data Privacy Bill

H.4746 features critical protections against the abuse of personal data
Press Release
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ACLU of Massachusetts Warns Cities and Towns about Dangers of License Plate Readers

New letter urges officials to stop sharing sensitive data with out-of-state agencies
Press Release
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Labor, Reproductive Rights, Civil Liberties Advocates Applaud State Senate’s Passage of Data Privacy Legislation

The Massachusetts Senate today passed the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act (S.2608), which would provide strong, comprehensive protections for consumers and communities especially vulnerable to the abuse of sensitive personal data.
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Home

Legislation
May 03, 2019

Social Media Privacy Act

Private communications and activities deserve the same protections online and offline.
Legislation
Jan 30, 2019

Artificial Intelligence Commission

We must ensure people’s rights are protected in the age of algorithms.
Legislation
Jan 30, 2019

Administrative Subpoena Transparency

Bringing necessary transparency to warrantless surveillance of our private information.
Legislation
Jan 30, 2019

Electronic Privacy Act

Electronic Privacy Act will require a warrant for access to information about your cell phone and computer use.