Blog

As a leading civil rights organization in the land of 10,000 lakes, we at the ACLU of Minnesota believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

 

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Mar 6, 2024

Communities Should Reject Surveillance Products Whose Makers Won't Allow Them to be Independently Evaluated

Independent reviewers of new surveillance technology play a crucial role in safeguarding our right to privacy.
Independent reviewers of new surveillance technology play a crucial role in safeguarding our right to privacy.
A sign attached to a metal pole with while letters on a red background reading "NOTICE _ LICENSE PLATE READER 24/7 - Flock Safety".
A sign attached to a metal pole with while letters on a red background reading "NOTICE _ LICENSE PLATE READER 24/7 - Flock Safety".
Feb 29, 2024

Biased Technology: The Automated Discrimination of Facial Recognition

Studies show that facial recognition is least reliable for people of color, women, and nonbinary individuals. And that can be life-threatening when the technology is in the hands of law enforcement. 

By Rachel Fergus

Studies show that facial recognition is least reliable for people of color, women, and nonbinary individuals. And that can be life-threatening when the technology is in the hands of law enforcement. 

By Rachel Fergus
Headshot of man with dots and lines on his face suggesting it is being scanned.
Headshot of man with dots and lines on his face suggesting it is being scanned.
Feb 7, 2024

When it Comes to Facial Recognition, There is No Such Thing as a Magic Number

Companies and legislators are using misleading test scores to justify the expansion of facial recognition into our communities. That flawed approach understates the threat this dangerous technology poses to...
Companies and legislators are using misleading test scores to justify the expansion of facial recognition into our communities. That flawed approach understates the threat this dangerous technology poses to...
A security CCTV camera or surveillance system with police officers in the blurry background.
A security CCTV camera or surveillance system with police officers in the blurry background.
Jan 29, 2024

Celebrating An Important Victory In The Ongoing Fight Against Reverse Warrants

Google’s decision to strictly limit access to location history is a huge win for our right to privacy — now we need to ban all reverse warrants.
Google’s decision to strictly limit access to location history is a huge win for our right to privacy — now we need to ban all reverse warrants.
The ACLU is pushing back against reverse warrants - and winning. Learn more here.
The ACLU is pushing back against reverse warrants - and winning. Learn more here.
Jan 26, 2024

What’s Hiding in the Immigration & Border Deal? More Mass Surveillance

Congress is considering expanding a harmful surveillance program. A second Trump presidency could make those risks even more severe.
Congress is considering expanding a harmful surveillance program. A second Trump presidency could make those risks even more severe.
A uniformed individual in front of a portion of U.S., Mexico border wall.
A uniformed individual in front of a portion of U.S., Mexico border wall.
Jan 12, 2024

Government Agencies Shouldn't Be Allowed to Destroy Their Paper Trail of Medical Abuse and Neglect

Customs and Border Protection's request to destroy certain medical records will hinder oversight and obscure serious violations.
Customs and Border Protection's request to destroy certain medical records will hinder oversight and obscure serious violations.
US Customs and Border Protection building facade.
US Customs and Border Protection building facade.