Government Surveillance

New technologies have given governments around the world unprecedented means to collect and access personal information. This includes law enforcement agencies demanding content from tech companies, intelligence agencies tapping directly into internet cables, and the use of surveillance technologies such as license plate readers or facial recognition cameras.

Much of this government surveillance is aimed at enhancing national security and safety, yet in order to ensure all people can seek information and express themselves freely, there must be reasonable checks and balances on governments’ ability to access, collect, and store individuals’ data. Both security and freedom can be protected, but only through balanced laws and policies that uphold human rights.

Government Surveillance Topics

Recent Content

CDT Goes to RightsCon 2023

Graphic for CDT report, entitled "Data After Dobbs: Best Practices for Protecting Reproductive Health Data." Phone surrounded by green protective lines and floating multicolor bits of reproductive health data.

Report – Data After Dobbs: Best Practices for Protecting Reproductive Health Data

The CDT logo. A white "cdt" alongside "Center for Democracy & Technology" on a dark grey background.

Shocking New FBI Political Surveillance Disclosures Highlight Need for FISA Reform

CDT Files Joint Amicus Brief in U.S. v Hay Warrantless Surveillance Case

CDT Europe Coordinates Letter from Public Interest Technologists Urging the EU for an Evidenced-Based Approach to Child Protection Online. White document on a grey background.

CDT Europe Coordinates Letter from Public Interest Technologists Urging the EU for an Evidenced-Based Approach to Child Protection Online

The CDT logo. A white "cdt" alongside "Center for Democracy & Technology" on a dark grey background.

Momentum Builds Against Abortion Surveillance as New States Enact Shield Laws

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