These risks are far from theoretical: many agencies have a track record of using these programs to target minority communities and social movements. Because social media can reveal a wealth of personal information - including about political and religious views, personal and professional connections, and health and sexuality - its use by the government is rife with risks for freedom of speech, assembly, and faith, particularly for the Black, Latino, and Muslim communities that are historically targeted by law enforcement and intelligence efforts. speaking and listening in the modern public square, and otherwise exploring the vast realms of human thought and knowledge” - in other words, an essential means for participating in public life and communicating with others.Īt the same time, this growing - and mostly unregulated - use of social media raises a host of civil rights and civil liberties concerns. the principal sources for knowing current events. Supreme Court has said, social media platforms have become “for many. The Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the State Department are among the many federal agencies that routinely monitor social platforms, for purposes ranging from conducting investigations to identifying threats to screening travelers and immigrants. law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Social media has become a significant source of information for U.S. Attend the Brennan Legacy Awards Dinner.Advance Constitutional Change Show / hide.National Task Force on Democracy Reform & the Rule of Law.Government Targeting of Minority Communities Show / hide.Campaign Finance in the Courts Show / hide.Gerrymandering & Fair Representation Show / hide.Ensure Every American Can Vote Show / hide.

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