Privacy & Technology

In endorsing House Bill 1421, the organization stated that mass surveillance is unconstitutional, disproportionate, and incompatible with a democratic society.

The ACLU of Puerto Rico warned that while public safety is a shared goal, that objective is not achieved by violating rights—as is the case with Senate Bill 974, House Bill 897, and Senate Joint Resolution 198.

Authorized statements from the ACLU of Puerto Rico regarding House Bill 897

Since its founding, the ACLU of Puerto Rico has been at the forefront of landmark legal battles defending civil rights and liberties across the archipelago. Our legal team challenges systemic injustice through strategic litigation that protects free expression, due process, equality, and government accountability. From fighting police brutality and defending the rights of incarcerated people to advancing reproductive freedom and immigrants’ rights, we work to ensure that justice in Puerto Rico is accessible, equitable, and enduring.

House Bill 1421 seeks to create the “Act for Protection Against Mass Surveillance Systems” for the purpose of prohibiting the use and procurement of mass surveillance systems that violate the fundamental freedoms and rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Puerto Rico, and for other related purposes.

Senate Joint Resolution 198 seeks to mandate that the Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury require the installation and operation of security camera (video surveillance) systems in establishments applying for or renewing a license for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages. It was filed on July 14, 2026, by Senator Carmelo Ríos Santiago.

House Bill 897 seeks to amend Act 187-2016, known as the “Mayra Elías ‘Hit & Run’ Alert Act,” as well as Act 83-2025, known as the “Puerto Rico Police Act.” The bill was filed on October 7, 2025, by Representatives Ramón Torres Cruz and Félix Pacheco Burgos. Public safety is a shared goal. However, a legislative measure such as this—which contemplates the use of technologies like automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems—requires a broad discussion that includes consideration and acknowledgment of the threats and potential violations of constitutional rights associated with this type of technology. In the United States, there is no shortage of examples regarding the misuse of such cameras by officers, as well as errors concerning the operation and management of these systems.

Senate Bill 974 seeks to define cybercrimes and amend the Penal Code of Puerto Rico. It was introduced on January 22, 2026, by Senator Carmelo Ríos Santiago. We oppose Senate Bill 974 because it seeks to enact legislation without adequately considering the serious implications its provisions could have on citizens' fundamental rights—in addition to imposing disproportionate penalties. Protecting the public from cybercrime cannot mean indiscriminately criminalizing the ways in which people interact in the digital environment.