Privacy and Technology
The bedrock of our democracy, the Constitution, guarantees the right to privacy and free speech. Unchecked government surveillance intrudes upon Americans' right to privacy, dangerously chilling speech and political dissent. We take pride in monitoring the interplay between technology and civil liberties, promoting uses of technology that enhance privacy and freedom, while opposing those that undermine freedoms and move us closer to a surveillance society.
ACLU of Michigan Urges Senators Levin and Stabenow to Vote No on FISA "Deal"
Take Action Here: Tell Michigan Senators to Vote No on HR 6304
July 3, 2008
ACLU Releases New Report on Government "Fusion Centers"
Says they must be open, carefully monitored and subject to restraints
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 12, 2007
DETROIT – Citing privacy concerns, the American Civil Liberties Union today released a report urging policy makers to closely monitor the expansion of new intelligence gathering institutions called “fusion centers,” which have been created in over 40 states around the nation – including Michigan.
> Full StoryTell the State Legislature: No Back-Door Real ID
Despite the State House's rejection of the federal Real ID Act in late October, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is trying to sneak in Real ID through the back door.
Take Action Here. Tell the State Legislature: No Back-Door Real ID
The Secretary of State's Office announced yesterday the creation of two new identification cards that purport to enhance the security of Michigan driver's licenses. In reality, these licenses will make Michigan ID's a prime target for identity thieves by complying with the invasive and unnecessary Real ID Act.
> Full StoryACLU to Ask Ann Arbor School Board to Halt Installation of Cameras at Pioneer
Take Action Here! Urge the Ann Arbor School Board to Protect Student Privacy.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 28, 2007
Ann Arbor -- In an effort to stop the installation of 53 surveillance cameras at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan along with concerned students and parents will address the Ann Arbor Board of Education at tonight’s board meeting.
> Full StoryACLU of Michigan Applauds State House for Rejecting Flawed REAL ID Act
Calls on State Senate to Follow Suit
Take Action! Tell the State Senate to Reject Real ID Here!
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 30, 2007
Detroit – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today applauded the State House of Representatives for passing a resolution that rejects participation in the REAL ID Act – the federal law that lays the foundation for a national identity card.
ACLU Urges Supreme Court to Review NSA Warrantless Wiretapping Case
IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 3, 2007
Washington - The American Civil Liberties Union along with the ACLU of Michigan urged the U.S. Supreme Court today to review a legal challenge to the Bush administration's warrantless surveillance activities. The case was filed on behalf of prominent journalists, scholars, attorneys and national advocacy organizations charging that the government's illegal surveillance activities disrupt their ability to communicate effectively with sources and clients. Although the groups submitted uncontested evidence that the government's illegal surveillance activities had compromised their ability to do their jobs, an appeals court dismissed the case last July because the plaintiffs could not state with certainty that they had been wiretapped by the National Security Agency.
Take Action: Protect Privacy from Military Recruiters
September 5, 2007
Read more about student privacy and military recruiters here!
Today, most Michigan high school students and their parents are probably thinking about getting a new routine down pat, juggling work and school schedules, and who will get the car this Friday night.
> Full StoryTake Action: Tell Congress To Defend Our Freedom
August 10, 2007Take Action Here!
Democratic “leaders” have crossed the line and betrayed the will of the majority who put them in power in 2006. This week, a timid Congress caved in to President Bush and his demand for more out-of-control authority to spy on Americans. > Full Story
URGENT: Action Needed Today to Prevent Legalization of NSA Spy Program
August 2, 2007
Tell the Senate: Don't Be Fooled by "Sucker Money" for REAL ID
For Immediate ReleaseJuly 24, 2007
Take Action Here: Tell Your Senators "Don't Be Fooled"
The supporters of Real ID are making a last ditch effort to save the embattled program. As part of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, to be debated on the Senate floor the week of July 23, Sen. Lamar Alexander will offer an amendment to fund Real ID to the tune of $300 million. Of course, this is a drop in the bucket compared to the $23 billion DHS has estimated Real ID will cost nationally, making this "sucker money." > Full Story
ACLU Slams Appeals Court Decision in NSA Surveillance Case
Court Allows Bush Administration to Continue Illegal Wiretapping
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2007
CINCINNATI - In a 2-1 decision, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals today dismissed a legal challenge to the Bush administration’s warrantless surveillance program. The challenge was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of prominent journalists, scholars, attorneys and national nonprofit organizations who say that the unchecked surveillance program is disrupting their ability to communicate effectively with sources and clients.
> Full StoryACLU Urges Michigan Residents to Support Anti-REAL ID Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 17, 2007
Take Action: Tell Your State Legislators to Stop the REAL ID Act
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union today welcomed the introduction of two state resolutions to oppose REAL ID authored by Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) and Senator Gilda Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods). The ACLU also urges Michigan residents to support the resolutions by calling their legislators.
Court Must Protect Americans from President's Unchecked Spying, ACLU Argues
ACLU Defends Landmark Ruling in First Appeals Court Argument on Illegal Spying
Take Action: Tell Congress to Demand Oversight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2007
CINCINNATI - At a federal appeals court hearing, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan argued that the president broke the law by authorizing the National Security Agency to engage in warrantless surveillance of Americans. The ACLU is urging the appeals court to uphold a lower court order that would prevent the NSA from resuming the illegal program.
> Full StoryACLU of Michigan May Move Forward With Case Against AT&T and Verizon
Telecom giants’ motion to dismiss case before the Michigan Public Service Commission was denied
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 4, 2006
Detroit -- A Michigan Public Service Commission judge Friday denied AT&T and Verizon’s request to dismiss the complaint brought against them by the ACLU of Michigan for violating their own privacy agreements when they voluntarily gave customer telephone records to the National Security Agency.
> Full StoryPhone Companies Broke the Law, ACLU to Argue Before Service Commission
September 28, 2006
Federal Court Strikes Down NSA Warrantless Surveillance Program
ACLU Calls Ruling, First of its Kind, a Rebuke to Abuse of Presidential Power
Tell Congress to Stand Up for Checks and Balances
Take action here, or go to http://action.aclumich.org/keepspyingillegal.
DETROIT -- In an American Civil Liberties Union case, a federal court today ruled that the Bush administration’s program to monitor the phone calls and e-mails of Americans without warrants is unconstitutional and must be stopped. This is the first ruling by a federal court to strike down the controversial National Security Agency surveillance program.
Government Abusing State Secrets Claim in NSA Case, ACLU Tells Court
Tell Senators Stabenow and Levin to demand full accountability for warrantless wiretapping.
Take Action here, or go to http://action.aclumich.org/stopspying.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- July 10, 2006
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan argued in federal court today that the National Security Agency should be held accountable for illegally monitoring the phone calls and e-mails of millions of Americans without warrants.
> Full StoryFederal Court to Review Whether State Secrets Claim is Enough to Stop NSA Case
Hearing in ACLU Case Follows Supreme Court Decision Rebuking Bush Administration Abuse of Power
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- July 6, 2006
DETROIT -- A federal judge in Detroit will hear arguments on Monday, July 10, on the National Security Agency’s warrantless surveillance program. The federal government has invoked the state secrets privilege in an attempt to dismiss the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan.
> Full StoryCourt Hears Arguments on Legality of NSA Spying Program for the First Time Ever
ACLU says, "No One is Above the Law, Not Even the President"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 12, 2006
ACLU of Michigan Calls on Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow to Investigate
DETROIT – The ACLU of Michigan has joined a coalition of more than 20 organizations nationwide in opposition of the illegal spying program conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA). Executive Director of the ACLU of Michigan, Kary L. Moss and Noel Saleh of the
Federal Court in Detroit to Review NSA Spying Program
ACLU Spying, Secrecy and Presidential Powers' Town Halls to Host John Dean
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 6, 2006This weekend, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and Cooley Law School will present two town hall meetings entitled “Spying, Secrecy and Presidential Powers” with John W. Dean, former Legal Counsel to President Nixon, as he discusses the NSA’s spying program and what it means to anyone who uses a phone.
> Full StoryACLU Launches Nationwide Action Against NSA Snooping on Americans' Phone Calls
ACLU National and 20 State Affiliates Urge Local Officials to Investigate Phone Companies; FCC Action Also Sought
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 24, 2006
DETROIT -- Responding to reports that phone companies are enabling illegal government spying by turning over private details about Americans’ telephone calls to the National Security Agency, the American Civil Liberties Union today sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission demanding an investigation.
> Full StoryACLU Sues to Stop Illegal Spying on Americans
January 17, 2006 - Press Release
Prominent Journalists, Nonprofit Groups, Terrorism Experts and Community Advocates Join First Lawsuit to Challenge New NSA Spying Program
DETROIT – Saying that the Bush administration’s illegal spying on Americans must end, the American Civil Liberties Union today filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against the National Security Agency seeking to stop a secret electronic surveillance program that has been in place since shortly after September 11, 2001.
> Full StoryFBI Labeling Peaceful Michigan Organizations as Terrorists, New Documents Reveal
August 29, 2005 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union today released an FBI document that designates a Michigan-based peace group and an affirmative action advocacy group as potentially “involved in terrorist activities.” The file was obtained through an ongoing nationwide ACLU effort seeking information on the FBI’s use of Joint Terrorism Task Forces to engage in political surveillance.
> Full StoryACLU Supports New State Privacy Legislation
April 13, 2005 - Press Release
DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced its full support for the "employee protection privacy act," new legislation introduced in the Michigan Senate today. The act would prohibit employers from invading the privacy of applicants or employees outside of the work environment.
> Full StoryProtect Your Privacy At Home
April 12, 2005 - Action Alert
Urge your Senator to co-sponsor new privacy legislation!
> Full StoryMichigan State Police Drop Out of MATRIX
March 7, 2005 - Press Release
DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan learned today that the Michigan State Police (MSP) will no longer participate in the Multi-State Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange (MATRIX) data collection program that had been at the center of an ACLU lawsuit against the MSP.
> Full StoryCourt Rules that Michigan State Police Must Disclose Information about MATRIX
February 4, 2005 - Press Release
DETROIT – A judge ruled today that an American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan lawsuit against the Michigan State Police (MSP) will not be dismissed and can move forward with discovery. The suit was filed on behalf of the organization and three individuals, including former Michigan Governor William Milliken and a Catholic nun, who are asking the court to stop the Michigan State Police from participating in the Multi-State Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange (MATRIX) until they are willing to comply with state law.
> Full StoryHearing on Lawsuit Filed Against Michigan State Police
Police Violate Data Collection Law
February 3, 2005 - Press Release
DETROIT – A hearing will be held this week to determine if an American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan lawsuit against the Michigan State Police (MSP) will move forward. The suit was filed on behalf of the organization and three individuals, including former Michigan Governor William Milliken and a Catholic nun, asking the court to stop the Michigan State Police from participating in the Multi-State Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange (MATRIX) until they are willing to comply with state law.
> Full StoryVictims of Identity Theft Victimized Again By Michigan State Police
ACLU-MI Joins Effort to Expose FBI Spying on Political and Religious Groups
December 2, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT – Suspecting that law enforcement is spying on political and faith-based groups, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed Freedom of Information Act requests to the FBI and Michigan State Police to uncover who is being investigated and why. The requests are being made on behalf of Michigan peace and student activist groups, civil rights organizations, a Muslim charity and individuals who speak out against U.S. policies.
> Full StoryStudent Privacy and No Child Left Behind
In an age when personal information is so easily accessible, students and their families should be aware of circumstances in which personal information may be widely shared.
The following documents should help in answering the most frequently asked questions and will provide tools that can protect students' privacy.
No Child Left Behind Frequently Asked Questions
Letter to Superintendents re: disclosure of information
Sample Request Form to Keep Student Information Private
Detroit News article regarding military recruitment in the schools
> Full StoryLawsuit Filed Against Michigan State Police
Police Violate Data Collection Law
August 3, 2004 - Press Release
ACLU Questions State Police's Authority to Participate in Data Collection
May 20, 2004 - Press ReleaseDETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today requested that the state police issue a formal ruling explaining why they believe that the “Multi-State Anti-Terrorist Information Exchange” (MATRIX) is not subject to
ACLU Questions Michigan State Police Involvement in Data Surveillance Program
February 17, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT— Following a news report released yesterday in which the Michigan State Police admit that it has released information to a multistate police database, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today submitted a third “Freedom of Information Act” request about Michigan’s participation in the new “MATRIX” surveillance system. This admission comes on the heels of the state denying involvement in the program in response to two previous FOIA requests.
> Full StoryWhat Is The Matrix? ACLU Seeks Answers on New State-Run Surveillance Program
Defunct Big Brother Spying Program Resurfaces as “Little Brother” in Seven States
October 30, 2003 - Press Release
NEW YORK—The American Civil Liberties Union today filed simultaneous state “Freedom of Information Act” requests in Michigan, Connecticut, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania about those states’ participation in the new “MATRIX” database surveillance system. It also released an Issue Brief explaining the problems with the program, which also operates in Florida and Utah.
> Full StoryACLU Decries Court Ruling On Welfare Drug Testing
October 18, 2002 - Press Release
Detroit - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan criticized a court ruling issued today that will permit random drug testing of welfare recipients. The 3-judge panel of U.S. Court of Appeals reversed a 2000 district court opinion that Michigan’s welfare drug testing law is an unconstitutional invasion of privacy rights.
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