Participants ​in saturday’s nationwide ⁢”No Kings” protests against the Trump administration may face federal ⁤government surveillance, including potential use of facial ⁢recognition technology and phone hacking, according to civil liberties advocates. Organizers anticipate approximately 2,600 rallies taking ⁢place across all 50 U.S.states.

The extent of surveillance deployed at these protests is expected ⁣to vary significantly based on location and the specific law enforcement agencies present. Thorin Klosowski, ⁤a security and privacy activist with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, explained on Friday that surveillance⁣ tactics will likely differ between major metropolitan areas like Washington,‌ D.C. – where heightened security‌ measures, including anti-scale fencing around the White house, are in place – and smaller,⁢ rural communities.

“Under previous administrations, law enforcement surveillance of peaceful demonstrations was already commonplace and corrosive of free expression,” stated Ryan Shapiro, executive ⁤director of the government openness group Property of the People, in ⁤an ⁣email on Friday.This suggests a continuation of existing practices,rather than a novel approach.

The concerns highlight a growing tension between the right to protest and‍ the government’s ability to monitor citizens. ​ While authorities‍ maintain surveillance is often used for public safety, civil liberties groups⁤ argue it can have a ‌chilling effect on free speech and assembly.

Background & Context

The “No Kings” protests represent a significant wave of demonstrations following the recent political climate. Concerns about government surveillance of protests are‌ not new; ⁢they have ‍been a recurring⁣ issue throughout American history, particularly during periods of‍ social and political⁢ unrest. The use of technology like facial recognition raises new ⁢questions⁢ about privacy and the potential for misuse of data.

Trends: Increased use of surveillance technology by law enforcement ‌is a growing trend globally. The debate over​ balancing security with civil liberties continues to intensify.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “No Kings” ⁤protest about?

The “No Kings” protests are a ⁤nationwide demonstration against the policies and administration of‌ president Donald Trump.

What kind of surveillance are ⁣protesters concerned about?

Concerns include facial recognition technology, phone hacking, and general‌ monitoring of protest activities by federal and local law enforcement.

Is ⁣surveillance of protests legal?

The legality of ⁢surveillance depends on the specific ⁢tactics used ⁢and the context. Generally, surveillance of peaceful protests is ⁣permitted, but there are limits to protect First Amendment rights.

Who is the ‌Electronic Frontier Foundation?

The Electronic frontier Foundation (EFF) is a non-profit association defending civil liberties in the digital world.