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

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a prominent digital rights organization, has initiated legal action against the Trump administration, alleging unlawful social media surveillance targeting individuals residing in the U.S. legally. Filed on Thursday, the lawsuit claims that the government employs artificial intelligence and various monitoring techniques to scrutinize the social media activity of non-citizens, including those on valid visas and permanent residents. According to the allegations, the government is particularly focused on identifying posts that criticize its policies or express dissenting opinions. The lawsuit outlines a range of topics deemed 'forbidden,' such as criticisms of American culture, expressions of support for Palestinian rights, and commentary on the assassination of public figures like Charlie Kirk. It also highlights concerns that non-citizens face potential repercussions, including visa revocation and detention, for their online expressions. The EFF points to specific instances on the State Department's X account, which has documented visa cancellations linked to social media activities. The organization argues that the U.S. has no obligation to retain individuals who promote violence against Americans, as stated in the government's communications. Representing various unions, including auto and teachers' unions, the lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The EFF asserts that the surveillance tactics employed by the government infringe upon the free speech rights of union members, marking a significant legal battle over digital rights and privacy in the current political climate.