News & Commentary

"Our concern for the privacy rights of Rhode Islanders is not assuaged by the recommendation to continue using these systems simply under the assumption that the police department’s policy will not change tomorrow, next month, or next year."

New brief echoes the brief filed the ACLU and other First Amendment organizations earlier in the summer, which focused on how the ideological termination of funding violates the First Amendment’s protection of academic freedom.

"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."

"This is a victory for the survivors of domestic and sexual violence, LGBTQI+ youth, and unhoused individuals and families our organizations serve."

Court Blocks Latest Unlawful Homelessness Funding Announcement

“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.”

“Citizens should be free to comment on their interactions with government, including what happens in a lawsuit. If not, the government can make the proceedings secret and protected from public scrutiny."

“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.”

Last year, a federal court blocked the Trump administration’s efforts at a hostile ideological takeover of Harvard University