News and Commentary

As the leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State, we at the ACLU of Texas believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

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Nov 15, 2013

Government Refusing To Say Whether Phone Tracking Evidence Came From Mass Surveillance

Free Speech and Pluralism

In criminal cases, defendants have a right to know what evidence the government plans to use against them and how the government gathered that evidence. This basic due process principle is essential: it...

By By Nathan Freed Wessler, Staff Attorney, ACLU Speech, Privacy & Technology Project

In criminal cases, defendants have a right to know what evidence the government plans to use against them and how the government gathered that evidence. This basic due process principle is essential: it...

By By Nathan Freed Wessler, Staff Attorney, ACLU Speech, Privacy & Technology Project
Nov 14, 2013

The Hazards of Uncontrolled Data Collection

Free Speech and Pluralism

Leaks of classified and highly secretive information from U.S. government databases by the likes of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning have naturally garnered massive press attention, exposing some deeply...

By By Joe Silver, Washington Legislative Office, ACLU

Leaks of classified and highly secretive information from U.S. government databases by the likes of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning have naturally garnered massive press attention, exposing some deeply...

By By Joe Silver, Washington Legislative Office, ACLU
Nov 14, 2013

Why You Should be 203 Percent Behind ECPA Reform

There's a wave of transparency reports sweeping the nation. In recent months a plethora of companies – including ...

By By Chris Calabrese, Legislative Counsel, ACLU Washington Legislative Office

There's a wave of transparency reports sweeping the nation. In recent months a plethora of companies – including ...

By By Chris Calabrese, Legislative Counsel, ACLU Washington Legislative Office
Nov 13, 2013

My Dad Will Never Come Home

Dad usually suggests we leave a little early because leaving is the 'elephant in the room' that we're all trying to avoid. "Ya'll go on and head home and get some rest. Don't worry about me, I'm fine." It'...

By By April Anderson, Daughter of Dicky Joe Jackson

Dad usually suggests we leave a little early because leaving is the 'elephant in the room' that we're all trying to avoid. "Ya'll go on and head home and get some rest. Don't worry about me, I'm fine." It'...

By By April Anderson, Daughter of Dicky Joe Jackson
Nov 13, 2013

The Three Dimensions of the Privacy Apocalypse

Free Speech and Pluralism

Recent reports have revealed that several companies are currently pushing “intelligent street lights” that are capable of being loaded with various kinds of sensors including, as...

By By Jay Stanley, Senior Policy Analyst, ACLU Speech, Privacy & Technology Project

Recent reports have revealed that several companies are currently pushing “intelligent street lights” that are capable of being loaded with various kinds of sensors including, as...

By By Jay Stanley, Senior Policy Analyst, ACLU Speech, Privacy & Technology Project
Nov 13, 2013

What a Waste

Ever wonder what could land you in prison for the rest of your life? For 3,278 people, it was nonviolent offenses like shoplifting a few...

By By Jennifer Turner, Human Rights Researcher, ACLU Human Rights Program

Ever wonder what could land you in prison for the rest of your life? For 3,278 people, it was nonviolent offenses like shoplifting a few...

By By Jennifer Turner, Human Rights Researcher, ACLU Human Rights Program