Brittney Nystrom
ACLU of Utah Executive Director

“I have concerns about how the screens we use at work and home harm our privacy. But will I give up my smartphone or social media accounts? No. Or rather, not yet. Still, I place a sticker over my laptop’s camera when I’m not using it. I also hesitated before purchasing an “Alexa” device for my home. Ultimately, I decided that fun and convenience could overrule my privacy concerns, and Alexa has joined our household. But the research I did before making a decision showed me that we need more reliable information about privacy impacts. I am hopeful this debate increases public understanding about the hidden costs of technology we claim we can’t live without.”

Danielle Hawkes
ACLU of Utah Board President

“I know I share too much about myself and my family online, but at least I can admit it. To learn more about these issues (and reduce my social media exposure), I am educating myself through a campaign of personal reading and conversations with friends and colleagues. Recently, several members of the ACLU of Utah Board of Directors read Safiya Noble’s Algorithms of Oppression, a book that explains how technology reinforces racist and bigoted systems. As I learn about these threats and biases, I am glad that the ACLU of Utah is focusing more attention on educating us, and teaching us how to fight back.”

...from the Fall 2019 Liberty Reporter