Privacy & Technology

The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, but rapidly advancing technological capabilities and outdated laws have nevertheless left Americans’ private lives vulnerable to government intrusion.

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Privacy & Technology is part of ACLU of Colorado's Privacy & Liberty Project.

The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, but rapidly advancing technological capabilities and outdated laws have nevertheless left Americans’ private lives vulnerable to government intrusion.

We work to defend privacy as it relates to medical information, the internet and social media, consumer information, and more. Here in Colorado, we’ve filed suit to safeguard taxpayer privacy, challenged school officials’ search of students’ text messages, and investigated the disclosure of private phone records to the National Security Agency. We also revealed the existence of the Denver Police Department’s Spy Files ‐ the monitoring and recording of the peaceful protest activities of Denver-area residents, and the file-keeping on the expressive activities of law-abiding advocacy organizations. In 2013, we successfully advocated for legislation that protects Coloradans’ personal social media passwords and credit history from employers.

The Latest

News & Commentary
Photo of 3 CCTV cameras on a pole with a blue sky in the background.

ACLU of Colorado Demands End to Flock Safety Contract, Calls for Critical Data Privacy Protections

For far too long, Mayor Johnston ignored community concerns and has insisted on using Flock Safety to surveil the movements of anyone travelling inside city limits.
Press Release
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Voting Rights Groups, Colorado Voters File Motion to Protect Voters’ Privacy

Lawsuit challenges DOJ demand for sensitive voter data
Press Release
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Community Leaders and Organizations Demand Transparency after Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Secretly Extends Flock Contract

The contract with Flock Safety was extended for five months with no public process or input from the mayor’s own Flock task force
Press Release
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Community Organizations and City Leaders Call for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to Immediately Turn off Flock Cameras

Community Town Hall to Demand an End to Flock in Denver
Issue Areas: Privacy & Technology
Legislation
Jan 14, 2026

HB 26-1037 Ban Government Purchase of Personal Data from Third Party

The bill prohibits law enforcement and other government entities from purchasing, or otherwise obtaining for anything of value, certain personal data from third parties. Law enforcement agencies and other government entities are also prohibited from sharing individuals' personal data between themselves.
Status: Introduced
Position: Support