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

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

Emergency Motion Filed to Prevent the Release of Private Medical Records of Minors Receiving Medical Care at RI Hospital

Rhode Island’s Child Advocate filed an emergency motion this morning in the federal appeals court
News & Commentary
Neon green background with photos of a RI 2026 legislative session bill and a child holding a smartphone.

Why Social Media Bans for Kids are a Bad Idea

Not only are these bills bad for students’ ability to find community online, but they also unnecessarily undermine the privacy and speech of all users, regardless of age.
News & Commentary
Light blue background with white and pink images of a doctor and a trans pride flag.

Judge Upholds Children’s Privacy Rights, Quashes Department of Justice Subpoena of R.I. Hospital Records

“DOJ’s request for intimate medical details from one of this country’s most vulnerable populations constitutes a drastic overreach of its investigative authority.”
Campaign
May 2026

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.
Campaign
Jan 2026

Private: CAMPAIGN: Flock Safety Surveillance Technology

This campaign explains Flock Safety cameras.
Campaign
Apr 2020

CAMPAIGN: COVID-19 & Civil Liberties in RI