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Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, but rapidly advancing technological capabilities and outdated laws have nevertheless left Americans’ private lives vulnerable to government intrusion.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Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, but rapidly advancing technological capabilities and outdated laws have nevertheless left Americans’ private lives vulnerable to government intrusion.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 two security camera attached to a column.

Denver City Council Approves New Axon Contract to Replace Flock, Despite Community Concerns and Calls for a No Vote

Despite numerous calls from its constituents to vote no on this new contract, Denver City Council voted to allow Mayor Mike Johnston to abruptly switch from one dragnet surveillance corporation to another...
Press Release
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New Proposed Ordinance Aims to Regulate Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology in Durango

Issue Areas: Privacy & Technology, Government Transparency
Press Release
Photo of 3 CCTV cameras on a pole with a blue sky in the background.

Community Organizations and Denver Surveillance Task Force Members Ask Denver City Councilors to Vote No on Axon ALPR Contract

Fourteen organizations sent a letter to councilors expressing opposition and outlining existing concerns with the surveillance technology
Issue Areas: Privacy & Technology, Government Transparency
Press Release
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Federal Appeals Court Finds City of Colorado Springs and Local Police Cannot Avoid Responsibility for Unlawfully Searched Activists

ACLU of Colorado sued the city and its officers in 2023 for violating constitutional safeguards intended to prevent invasive searches and seizures
Issue Areas: Privacy & Technology
Legislation
Feb 23, 2026

SB26-070 Ban Government Access Historical Location Information Database

The bill prohibits a government entity from accessing a database that reveals an individual's or a vehicle's historical location information, subject to certain exceptions. The bill prohibits a government entity from sharing historical location information with third parties or government agencies outside their jurisdiction, subject to certain exceptions, and makes historical location information not a public record for the purposes of the "Colorado Open Records Act".
Status: Under consideration
Position: Support
Legislation
Feb 23, 2026

SB26-071 Use of Surveillance Technology by Law Enforcement

The bill establishes the "Surveillance Accountability and Freedom Ensured (SAFE) Act" (SAFE Act). On and after July 1, 2027, the SAFE Act requires a law enforcement agency to use surveillance technology only for lawful purposes directly related to public safety or for an active investigation.
Status: Under consideration
Position: Support
Legislation
Feb 25, 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: Under consideration
Position: Support