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Florida Wants Its Own CIA. That Could Lead To Unchecked Domestic Surveillance

Florida Capitol

If Florida enacts House Bill 945, it will create a national first – CIA-style structure at the state level that blurs the traditional line between state law enforcement and intelligence work.

The bill’s language allows scrutiny based on “views” and “opinions”, a standard that echoes some of the darkest chapters of American surveillance history. In the 1960s and 70s, the FBI’s Cointelpro program infiltrated protest movements, monitored journalists, and targeted civil rights leaders – not for crimes, but beliefs.

Have You Been Flocked?

Close-up of a Flock camera

A handful of police departments that use Flock have unwittingly leaked details of millions of surveillance targets and a large number of active police investigations around the country because they have failed to redact license plates information in public records releases. Flock responded to this revelation by threatening a site that exposed it and by limiting the information the public can get via public records requests. 

Look up your tag on HaveYouBeenFlocked

Tallahassee City Commission to Receive Briefing On Controversial Flock Cameras

Flock Camera looking down

Tallahassee City Commissioners will be briefed by the police department on the use of license plate reading cameras now stationed throughout the capital city.

A motion brought by City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow passed 5-0 last week after a deputy chief confirmed TPD had entered into a contract with Flock Safety.

Protecting Your Privacy at Protests

Crush Ice sign at a protest

The Proton Guide to Privacy at Protests walks you through the steps you need to take to protect yourself while protesting.

How to: Use Signal

Signal Encrypted Chat

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has been leading the defense of digital privacy, free speech, and innovation for 35 years. They have put together Surveillance Self Defense guides on a variety of topics that will help you secure your digital activities. The guide to installing and using Signal will help you protect your communications from the prying eyes of government surveillance. Leon County Indivisible encourages you to read this guide and consider switching from your current insecure messaging app to Signal today – especially if you are engaging in frontline resistance activities such as documenting civil rights and other violations, protesting, or participating any other actions that the current administration deems arrestable offenses.

How to: Detect Bluetooth Trackers

Bluetooth trackers

Bluetooth location trackers such as AirTags, Tile, and Samsung SmartTags are marketed as a way to keep track of luggage or a misplaced wallet, but they can also be easily slipped surreptitiously into a bag or car, allowing stalkers and abusers unprecedented access to a person’s location without their knowledge.

Home Depot and Lowe’s Share Data From Hundreds of AI Cameras With Cops

Home Depot store

Hundreds of AI-powered automated license plate reading cameras paid for by Lowe’s and Home Depot and stationed in the hardware stores’ parking lots are being fed into a massive surveillance system that law enforcement can access, according to records obtained using a public records request.

How to Fight the Broligarchy

The Broligarchy.

We’re victims to the greed of oligarchic technocrats, and humanity is worse off because of it. Here are specific actions you can take today to take action against the broligarchy.

The Government’s Growing Trove of Social Media Data

Cell phone and passport

At the border, any traveler, regardless of citizenship status, may face additional scrutiny. Under a 2018 Customs and Border Protection policy, U.S. border agents are authorized to inspect electronic devices carried by any traveler, regardless of citizenship, without a warrant or probable cause.