Surveillance

Former New Jersey Tree Board Supervisor Sues Agency Over Secret Surveillance and Workplace Discrimination

by

Jackson Township, New Jersey — Amanda Glenn, a former program manager with the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts, has filed legal action against her former employer, citing severe privacy violations stemming from unauthorized surveillance. The lawsuit unfolded after Glenn discovered a concealed camera aimed specifically at her workstation, an action she claims was both unconsented and illegal under state law. The incident reportedly began in October 2023 when a colleague alerted Glenn to a hidden Ring camera, cleverly disguised with tape and initially placed behind a computer. It was later repositioned atop a cabinet, … Read more

Surveillance Showdown: San Francisco’s Use of License Plate Cameras Faces Legal Challenge Over Privacy Infringements

by

San Francisco – A widespread lawsuit has been filed against Flock Safety, a company that supplies surveillance cameras widely employed by various municipalities in the Bay Area, including San Francisco. The legal action, initiated by the public interest law firm Institute for Justice in a federal court in Virginia on Monday, raises profound concerns regarding the invasion of privacy through what is termed as a pervasive “dragnet” facilitated by these cameras. The powerful contention at the heart of this lawsuit is the alleged violation of Fourth Amendment rights, which protect citizens from unreasonable searches. According … Read more

FTC Urges Congress for Stricter Privacy Laws Amid Extensive User Data Surveillance by Social Media Giants

by

Washington, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission is sounding the alarm on social media giants regarding the widespread use of personal data, including sensitive information belonging to minors. In a recent plea, the agency has approached Congress urging the enactment of more stringent privacy legislation to rein in what it describes as ‘vast surveillance’ operations. These revelations have emerged from a comprehensive analysis conducted by the FTC, using data that dates back four years. The findings indicate that multiple social media and video streaming platforms have been extensively sharing user data with various entities, often … Read more

Judge Rules City Leaders Ineffective in Halting Controversial APD Surveillance Practices

by

Austin, Texas — A recent judicial ruling has indicated that city officials in Austin have not succeeded in putting an end to a controversial practice within the Austin Police Department, known colloquially as the “g-files.” These secretive files are said to contain personal information on individuals, gathered without their consent or a clear link to criminal activities, raising significant concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Judge Lee Yeakel’s decision in federal court comes after a prolonged lawsuit filed by civil rights groups against the city. The groups argue that the maintenance of these files reflects … Read more