Selling Surveillance

• Billions in surveillance technology is sold annually with completely unsubstantiated, outlandish marketing claims.

• These endemic practices frequently appear to constitute deceptive advertising, violating federal and state consumer protections.

• Regulators are beginning to take action against some of the worst offenders, but many surveillance firms appear to make marketing claims with impunity.

• A growing body of independent analysis documents surveillance systems’ ineffectiveness, errors, and bias.This report was supported in part by grants from Borealis Philanthropy Disability Inclusion Fund and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

This report was supported in part by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

We extend a special thanks to our external reviewers: Dave Maass, Director of Investigations, Electronic Frontier Foundation; and Conor Healy, Director of Government Research, IPVM.

Read the full report.