COVID-19 & Privacy

History teaches us that moments of crisis are precisely when democratic values are most tested. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, S.T.O.P is continuing to fight to ensure civil rights are protected in a rapidly changing landscape.

From China to South Korea, Italy to Israel, efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus are being used to justify an increase in surveillance. Longstanding privacy and civil-rights norms are in jeopardy across the globe. Unfortunately, we are already seeing the U.S. is no exception to this trend as both private and state surveillance tools are being rolled out rapidly in response to this emergency with little notification or oversight.

At S.T.O.P. we understand the impulse to use technology to prevent the spread of this virus, and encourage good-faith efforts to preserve public health. But we must remain vigilant to ensure those in power act in the public interest. We will be working throughout this crisis, helping guide difficult decisions on how to balance the need for both public health and personal privacy. That means critically evaluating the efficacy of monitoring and enforcement, and loudly advocating for the preservation of civil liberties.

As S.T.O.P. monitors developments and makes recommendations, we will post updates to this page.

Other Resources

• Brennan Center for Justice Responding to the Coronavirus