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.

Light and dark purple graphic of surveillance cameras.

“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.

The Latest


Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights: Workplace Privacy

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Workplace Privacy in RI

Resource
Blue voting bubble graphic with "2026 RI Midterm Candidate Survey Civil Liberties Edition" on a cream colored background. ACLU of RI logo in lower right corner.

RI Midterm Primary Candidate Questions: Civil Liberties Edition

We sent a survey of civil liberties questions to all the candidates running for statewide office (except for Treasurer) that will be on the ballot in the 2026 Rhode Island midterm elections, as well as the Providence mayoral candidates.
News & Commentary
yellow and blue image with photo of Flock Safety camera and solar panel.

ACLU of RI Statement on Governor's Pause on ALPR Camera Installations

"In light of the many abuses of the Flock Safety ALPR system that have already been documented across the country, it cannot be overstated that safeguards need to be as protective as possible in order to meaningfully safeguard the privacy of Rhode Islanders."
News & Commentary
yellow and blue image with photo of Flock Safety camera and solar panel.

After Flock Safety Image Led to False Arrest, ACLU Urges Cumberland Town Council to Cancel Contract

“This false arrest encapsulates the extremely serious privacy concerns that the ACLU and many others have been raising about Flock Safety and automated license plate reader cameras more broadly. This technology can do more than ‘just record license plates,’ and the secrecy surrounding its more invasive uses deserves special condemnation.”

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Campaign
Aug 2026

Flock Safety ALPR Cameras 101: Surveillance in Rhode Island

Automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras are rapidly being installed in Rhode Island but are virtually unregulated in our state. Many ALPR cameras, such as those made by the brand Flock Safety, are continuously collecting data that can be kept and accessed by law enforcement agencies across the country. In short, we’re being surveilled as we travel through our state. Learn more about ALPR cameras, and what you can do to help protect privacy in our communities.
Legislation
May 31, 2026

School Bus Surveillance (H 8523)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose
Legislation
May 31, 2026

Compassionate Care Act (H 7760, S 2051)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Support
Legislation
May 20, 2026

Intelligence Speed Assistance, Super-Speeder Devices (H 8098, S 2942)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose