DHS Recommends New Privacy Assessments On Video Surveillance From Grantees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org
WASHINGTON – In a move to create stricter privacy guidelines, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the latest version of its grant application today that includes new requirements for video surveillance. It will now be recommended that applicants for DHS grant money perform privacy assessments if grant money is to be used to purchase, install or support cameras. The American Civil Liberties Union praised the new requirement as the first step in pushing back on the proliferation of unchecked video surveillance.
The following can be attributed to Christopher Calabrese, ACLU Legislative Counsel:
“Pervasive video surveillance is, by definition, a threat to privacy. Government-run video surveillance has the potential to radically alter the relationship between the government and the public, and DHS grant money is behind many camera installations across the country. Privacy assessments have never been part of the grant process. With this change, DHS has begun to set a new standard and hold applicants accountable for their use of video surveillance. This is an encouraging step and we urge DHS to make this requirement mandatory in next year’s grant guidance.”
To learn more about the ACLU’s work on curbing the use of surveillance cameras, go to: www.youarebeingwatched.us
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in National Security
-
ACLU Acknowledges Improvements to DOJ Racial Profiling Policy, But Says Far More is Needed
-
ACLU Applauds Court For Allowing Case Challenging FBI’s Wrongful Prosecution of Chinese American Physics Professor To Move Forward
-
Shen v. Simpson
-
Chinese Immigrants Sue Florida Over Unconstitutional and Discriminatory Law Banning Them From Buying Land
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About National Security
The ACLU’s National Security Project is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. national security policies and practices are consistent with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.