A new letter, signed by dozens of groups including the Center for Media Justice and NAACP, calls for comprehensive reform and transparency in the wake of damning reports.
We’re in a political moment when the demand to decarcerate is ushering in a wave of criminal justice reform. But if we ignore how electronic monitors create digital prisons, we run the risk of replicating the same forms of punishment.
“We’re demanding more transparency and accountability around existing law enforcement surveillance practices, and urging our Congressional leaders of color to intervene on our behalf to prevent further exclusion, dehumanization and violence.”
Created to study the urban rebellions of 1967, the Kerner Commission revealed in 1968 how racist media played a role. As the Kerner report turns 50, Free Press’ Joseph Torres argues that large media companies continue to uphold White supremacy.
“Acting with great principle in this time is not just a matter of moral high ground but also a matter of personal safety,” says surveillance reform expert Malkia Cyril. “What we need to not do is be paranoid. What overcomes paranoia is principles.”
The ACLU says that Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all provided user data to Geofeedia, a company whose social media montoring product was marketed to and used by law enforcement agencies to follow protestors.
