Mass Surveillance: 25 Years of Erosion of Privacy Rights

• •Mass surveillance techniques have expanded significantly since 9/11.
• •Law enforcement uses private data collection methods to monitor protests.
• •The FBI purchases data on Americans from brokers, complicating privacy issues.

The articles discuss the evolution of mass surveillance in the U.S. since the 9/11 attacks, highlighting its shift from targeted methods to widespread data collection by government and private entities. Law enforcement agencies, including ICE, are increasingly using mass surveillance tools like facial recognition and automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to monitor protests and public gatherings. The interconnection between private data collection and government surveillance raises concerns about civil liberties. In 2025, over 50 law enforcement agencies utilized Flock Safety's ALPR network to track protesters, emphasizing the surveillance of First Amendment activities. The FBI has also confirmed purchasing data on Americans from brokers, further complicating the privacy landscape. The articles argue that the legal frameworks supporting mass surveillance have not adequately addressed the implications for individual rights. As technology advances, particularly with AI, the potential for misuse of surveillance data continues to grow.