The N.Y.P.D. Is Teaching America How to Track Everyone Every Day Forever
10 hours ago
- #civil liberties
- #NYPD
- #surveillance
- The NYPD is building vast, hidden repositories of data on everyone in New York City with no clear boundaries on usage.
- Over $3 billion has been spent on digital tools that allow persistent, universal surveillance without oversight.
- Surveillance targets include peaceful protests, hip-hop shows, and even teenagers based on social media activity.
- Minority communities are disproportionately affected, facing increased police interactions and loss of civil rights.
- Data collected can predict movements, social networks, and even future behaviors, akin to a 'digital time machine.'
- Cellphone seizures and social media monitoring are common, with 24,000 phones seized in 2024 alone.
- Potential future misuse includes tracking abortion-related travel or creating watch lists for further monitoring.
- Similar surveillance systems are being adopted nationwide, with federal agencies breaking down data silos.
- Current privacy laws contain carve-outs for law enforcement, leaving individuals vulnerable to unchecked surveillance.
- Legislation is urgently needed to regulate data collection, usage, and retention by law enforcement agencies.