Center for Democracy & Technology | Keeping the Internet Open, Innovative and Free

DHS’s Misguided Social Media Retention Policy Jeopardizes Fundamental Freedoms

October 20, 2017

Last month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an alarming notice that DHS would now retain social media information in Alien-Files (A-Files). A-Files are government records, generated in the immigration context, that include the records of an individual as they pass through the United States immigration process, and are retained by DHS for 100 years after the individual’s birthdate. This retention of social media information should not be brushed off as ‘business as usual’ for DHS. This policy, and its negative consequences for the free expression and privacy rights of both immigrants and U.S. citizens.

Supreme Court to Decide Whether a U.S. Warrant Can Reach Emails Stored Overseas

October 16, 2017

Today, the Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in a case focused on whether a U.S. warrant can reach emails stored overseas. The case, Microsoft v. United States, has major implications for the privacy rights of internet users both in the U.S. and abroad. The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has filed briefs in the case in support of Microsoft’s position, arguing that the U.S. federal government must use the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty process to gain access to information stored outside of the U.S.

Significant Surveillance Reforms in Section 702 Bill; Much More Must Be Added

October 04, 2017

Today, the Republican and Democratic heads of the House Judiciary Committee revealed the “USA Liberty Act,” legislation that would reform and reauthorize an important intelligence surveillance authority that would otherwise sunset on December 31. The legislation marks an important step forward, but it must do more to protect the rights of both U.S. and global citizens.