Privacy

The ACLU of Maine works to increase the control individuals have over their personal information, and opposes government overreach into our private lives. We are working to bring privacy law up to speed with advancing technology, and bring government surveillance practices in line with the Constitution.

Privacy Issue Collage

The ACLU of Maine works to increase the control individuals have over their personal information, and opposes government overreach into our private lives. We are working to bring privacy law up to speed with advancing technology, and bring government surveillance practices in line with the Constitution.

The Latest

Press Release
A person stands at a voting booth marked with an American flag and the word “VOTE” inside a community polling place. The room has wooden floors, orange stacked chairs, and colorful landscape paintings on the walls, with a small U.S. flag displayed nearby.

Federal Court to Hear Arguments in Lawsuit Seeking Confidential Maine Voter Data

The federal district court in Portland will hear arguments in United States v. Bellows, including from the ACLU of Maine as a friend-of-the-court.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights, Privacy
Court Cases: United States v. Bellows – Protecting Sensitive Voter Data
News & Commentary
Collage of army men, capitol building, and constitution

War tests our rights. The ACLU of Maine is ready.

Over our 106-year history, the work of the ACLU has always been vital – but during wartime, our work becomes especially urgent.
Press Release
Stop big tech from spying on Maine. Support LD 1977.

Maine Senate Passes Landmark Privacy Bill

The Senate passed data privacy legislation to limit sweeping surveillance and protect civil rights.  
Issue Areas: Privacy, Government Transparency
News & Commentary
A street at night with cars. Photo by Thomas Hawk

License Plate Readings Shouldn’t Be Public Data

Such readings shouldn’t generally be retained at all, but if they are at least privacy needs to be protected
Court Case
Jan 08, 2026

United States v. Bellows – Protecting Sensitive Voter Data

We’re challenging the federal government’s attempt to access Maine’s unredacted voter file – including information like voters’ social security and driver’s license numbers.
Court Case
Aug 11, 2020

Holding Border Patrol Accountable – Drewniak v. US CBP

We sued the federal government in 2020 for unconstitutional border patrol checkpoints in northern New England. In 2023, Border Patrol agreed to stop operating a problematic checkpoint until January 1, 2025.
Court Case
Jun 06, 2018

FOAA: Portland Smart City Lights

Court Case
May 01, 2018

ACLU of Maine v. United States DHS et al.