Privacy & Technology

We continue to work diligently to protect our right to privacy, limit government intrusion into our lives, and increase the control we have over our personal information.

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“The right to be left alone,” U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis noted more than 100 years ago, is a basic human right. Unfortunately, digital technology makes it easier for governments and corporations to learn the minutiae of our private lives, and this information gives them tremendous power over us. Today, the ACLU of RI continues to work diligently to protect our right to privacy, limit government intrusion into our lives, and increase the control we have over our personal information.

Campaign
Aug 2026
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Flock Safety ALPR Cameras 101: Surveillance in Rhode Island

Flock Safety brand automated license plate reader cameras are capable of much more than just reading license plates. Learn more about their...

The Latest

Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights: Workplace Privacy

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Workplace Privacy in RI

News & Commentary
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South Kingstown Cancels Flock Safety Contract after Community Advocacy, ACLU Letter

“The Council’s decision makes it clear that privacy can and should be defended. We’re hopeful that other municipalities follow the lead of South Kingstown, considering the concerns of their constituents, and discussing the use of these systems in their communities.”
Resource
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Timeline of DOJ's Subpoena of RI Hospital Minor Patients' Records

News & Commentary
Light blue background with white and pink images of a doctor and a trans pride flag.

After Appeals Court Denies Child Advocate’s Emergency Motion to Prevent the Release of Medical Records of Minors Receiving Care at RI Hospital, Safeguards Remain in Place to Protect the Data

"While we are disappointed in this result, this decision is not the end of our fight to protect Rhode Island children’s medical privacy."

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Court Case
Jun 17, 2026

Child Advocate for the State of Rhode Island, et al. v. United States

Attorneys for the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island (LCRI) and the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island (ACLU) filed an emergency motion to quash a subpoena issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking the sensitive private medical records of minor patients who have received medical treatment for gender dysphoria at Rhode Island Hospital. Case name: In the Matter of Administrative Subpoena 25-1431-032 Civil action number: 4:26-MC-00006-O This page was previously titled Administrative Subpoena – Private Medical Records of Minors
Court Case
Jun 29, 2026

United States of America v. Gregg M. Amore

Alongside the National ACLU, we intervened in a lawsuit to prevent the Department of Justice from obtaining sensitive, non-public information contained in the Rhode Island state voter file on behalf of Common Cause.
Court Case
Oct 23, 2024

ACLU of Rhode Island v. Salisbury Jr.

Court Case
Dec 4, 2023

LeBlanc v. City of Pawtucket

A federal lawsuit against Pawtucket city officials on behalf of five firefighters whose personal lockers at the fire station were searched by police without their knowledge or consent.