“Free” Surveillance Tech Still Comes at a High and Dangerous Cost
Summary
This EFF article discusses the dangers of "free" surveillance technology provided to local law enforcement, highlighting the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for abuse. It argues that the cost of these tools is not monetary but comes in the form of privacy violations and the targeting of vulnerable populations through data collection and sharing.
IFF Assessment
The article describes how "free" surveillance tools can be detrimental to privacy and civil liberties, which is bad news for defenders of those rights.
Severity
Defender Context
Defenders need to be aware of the data collection and sharing practices associated with surveillance technologies, even those offered for "free". They should advocate for clear policies, oversight mechanisms, and community involvement in decisions about adopting these tools. This trend of "free" surveillance tech bypassing local oversight necessitates vigilance and proactive defense of civil liberties.