Face surveillance systems are currently being used by the government in Massachusetts, despite the absence of privacy protections or even legislative authorization. Communities across the state are rallying and organizing to push back, to protect privacy, racial justice, and civil rights in the digital age. The week of October 21 there are two important hearings across the state on this critical issue. Here’s how to get involved.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 1:00 PM |  Statewide Face Surveillance Moratorium Hearing

Massachusetts State House (Hearing Room A-1); 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

• California recently became the first state to pass a moratorium on government use of face surveillance technology. Massachusetts must follow. Come out to the hearing on Tuesday to stand up for privacy rights and racial justice. RSVP and let us know you’re coming.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 6:00 PM | Brookline Public Safety Meeting

Brookline Town Hall, 333 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

• Members of the Brookline Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss a proposed face surveillance ban for Town employees. Please raise your voice in support of this measure, and if you’re able, come out to the meeting to tell the Committee to support Warrant Article 25.

Springfield Face Surveillance Moratorium

Ongoing action

• Meanwhile, City Councilors in Springfield will vote in November on a measure to place a moratorium on government use of face surveillance technology. Please take action and spread the word. (Note: This post originally asked folks to attend a City Council meeting Monday October 21 to support a vote on this measure. The meeting has been changed, and pushed back to November. We will update this website when we learn the exact date of the vote.)

This technology impacts everyone in Massachusetts, and has the potential to radically reshape our future. Everyone should have a chance to weigh in. Learn more about the ACLU’s campaign to Press Pause on Face Surveillance.

Questions about the campaign or how to get involved? Email Emiliano Falcon-Morano at efalcon at aclum dot org.