EFF, unions sue Trump administration over alleged mass social media surveillance of legal residents

TechCrunch
TechCrunch
2M ago
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The Electronic Frontier Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for alleged mass surveillance of legal residents' social media. This matters as it raises significant concerns about freedom of speech and privacy rights.
EFF, unions sue Trump administration over alleged mass social media surveillance of legal residents
A What happened
On October 16, 2025, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that the government is conducting mass surveillance of social media posts made by legal residents, including non-citizens on valid visas and permanent residents. The EFF claims that the government is specifically targeting posts that express dissenting views, including criticism of American culture and government actions. The lawsuit highlights punitive measures, such as visa revocation and immigration confinement, against individuals whose posts are deemed unfavorable. This legal action is supported by various unions, asserting that the surveillance infringes upon the freedom of speech rights of their members. The case raises critical questions about privacy, government overreach, and the rights of non-citizens in the U.S.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Government Surveillance Concerns: The lawsuit highlights issues surrounding privacy and government monitoring of citizens and non-citizens.

  • 2

    Impact on Freedom of Speech: The EFF argues that the surveillance violates the First Amendment rights of legal residents.

  • 3

    Union Involvement: The lawsuit is backed by multiple unions, emphasizing collective concerns over government actions.

Takeaways

The EFF's lawsuit against the Trump administration underscores the ongoing tensions between national security measures and individual rights, particularly regarding freedom of expression for non-citizens.

Topics

Technology & Innovation Social Media