Stop Government Use of Face Surveillance

Law enforcement's use of face surveillance technology poses a profound threat to personal privacy, political and religious expression, and the fundamental freedom to go about our lives without having our movements and associations covertly monitored and analyzed. Fighting the creep of government use of face surveillance and the related risks can seem overwhelming. Police agencies, and the spy tech vendors that profit from the growth of a surveillance state, have much to gain by deploying this invasive spying technology. But there is good news: cities and towns across the US have already fought and won groundbreaking bans on government use of face surveillance technology, proving that when we stand together our potential is limitless.

Face surveillance use by law enforcement and other government agencies invades Fourth Amendment freedoms of privacy and chills First Amendment freedoms of speech and association.

This technology has already been used to target individuals engaged in First Amendment-protected activity. And the threat of this especially pernicious form of surveillance extends far beyond political rallies. Images captured outside houses of worship, medical facilities, schools, community centers, and homes would reveal familial, political, religious, and sexual partnerships.

From San Francisco, California to Somerville, Massachusetts communities are coming together to say “no” to this especially pernicious form of surveillance. Several states have also introduced or discussed bills to do the same at the state level.

Lawmakers need to hear that we don’t want this flawed and dangerous technology in their home states. Tell your legislators to advance and support a bill and join efforts to end government use of face surveillance in our communities.