Brian Hofer
@brianhofer.bsky.social
Executive Director, Secure Justice (@securejustice.bsky.social) https://secure-justice.org/ fmr. Chair, City of Oakland Privacy Advisory Commission (2016-2025)
Reposted by Brian Hofer
Why are Bay Area law enforcement agencies violating state law in record numbers?
February 10, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Why are Bay Area law enforcement agencies violating state law in record numbers?
Reposted by Brian Hofer
I just called all of my Congresspeople using this handy calling tool from @fightforthefuture.org and you should too! Call tonight, call tomorrow, don't stop calling until we abolish ICE
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/no-f...
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/no-f...
No Funding for ICE Surveillance Tech!
www.fightforthefuture.org
January 22, 2026 at 12:37 AM
I just called all of my Congresspeople using this handy calling tool from @fightforthefuture.org and you should too! Call tonight, call tomorrow, don't stop calling until we abolish ICE
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/no-f...
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/no-f...
Reposted by Brian Hofer
You you can support the fight for privacy here: secure-justice.org/donate
December 28, 2025 at 10:26 PM
You you can support the fight for privacy here: secure-justice.org/donate
Reposted by Brian Hofer
If you work for a tech company, you can sign this.
iceout.tech?utm_source=s...
iceout.tech?utm_source=s...
Tech demands ICE out of our cities
iceout.tech
January 13, 2026 at 2:51 PM
If you work for a tech company, you can sign this.
iceout.tech?utm_source=s...
iceout.tech?utm_source=s...
Reposted by Brian Hofer
Make sure to read our latest investigation with American University's Investigative Reporting Workshop:
Texts and records reveal how Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona privately talk about use of force and accountability — and how to avoid discipline.
Texts and records reveal how Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona privately talk about use of force and accountability — and how to avoid discipline.
Inside One of the Border Patrol’s Most Violent Sectors
Texts and records reveal how Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona privately talk about use of force and accountability — and how to avoid discipline.
www.pogo.org
January 18, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Make sure to read our latest investigation with American University's Investigative Reporting Workshop:
Texts and records reveal how Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona privately talk about use of force and accountability — and how to avoid discipline.
Texts and records reveal how Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona privately talk about use of force and accountability — and how to avoid discipline.
Reposted by Brian Hofer
Through Feb 14, Portland is accepting comments from anyone on the police bureau's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy directive, now under second review.
This is a great opportunity to engage in local government's public rulemaking process related to surveillance tech use!
This is a great opportunity to engage in local government's public rulemaking process related to surveillance tech use!
Second Universal Review and Public Comment Period
www.portland.gov
January 18, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Through Feb 14, Portland is accepting comments from anyone on the police bureau's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy directive, now under second review.
This is a great opportunity to engage in local government's public rulemaking process related to surveillance tech use!
This is a great opportunity to engage in local government's public rulemaking process related to surveillance tech use!
Reposted by Brian Hofer
A call to action against #Flock #surveillance today from @seindivisible.bsky.social
'With the first city council meetings of 2026 beginning, right now is a critical opportunity to urge your council to protect their constituents..
Email your city council: "Shut down ALPR cameras."' 📝
#deflock #wa
'With the first city council meetings of 2026 beginning, right now is a critical opportunity to urge your council to protect their constituents..
Email your city council: "Shut down ALPR cameras."' 📝
#deflock #wa
Urge Your City Council to SHUT DOWN Flock · Indivisible
With the first city council meetings of 2026 beginning, right now is a critical opportunity to urge your council to protect their constituents from Trump's ICE goons.
ALPR (Automated License Plate R...
www.mobilize.us
January 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
A call to action against #Flock #surveillance today from @seindivisible.bsky.social
'With the first city council meetings of 2026 beginning, right now is a critical opportunity to urge your council to protect their constituents..
Email your city council: "Shut down ALPR cameras."' 📝
#deflock #wa
'With the first city council meetings of 2026 beginning, right now is a critical opportunity to urge your council to protect their constituents..
Email your city council: "Shut down ALPR cameras."' 📝
#deflock #wa
Reposted by Brian Hofer
On the campaign trail, Zohran Mamdani condemned the NYPD's Bloomberg-era 'mosque-raking' program. Will he allow a public accounting of the city's mass surveillance of Muslim communities? A new open records lawsuit is raising this issue back to the fore. My latest
The New York Police Department's “mosque-raking” program targeted Muslim communities across NYC. Now, as the city's first Muslim mayor takes office, one man is fighting—again—to fully expose it. www.wired.com/story/nypd-s...
NYPD Sued Over Possible Records Collected Through Muslim Spying Program
The New York Police Department's “mosque-raking” program targeted Muslim communities across NYC. Now, as the city's first Muslim mayor takes office, one man is fighting—again—to fully expose it.
www.wired.com
December 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM
On the campaign trail, Zohran Mamdani condemned the NYPD's Bloomberg-era 'mosque-raking' program. Will he allow a public accounting of the city's mass surveillance of Muslim communities? A new open records lawsuit is raising this issue back to the fore. My latest
Reposted by Brian Hofer
"The final installment of the Flock Trilogy, filmed on a publicly deployed Flock Safety camera."
Benn found nearly 70 #Flock AI surveillance cameras with no user name or password required to access the past 31 days of recorded or live footage! 😩
Cancel Flock! 🚫
#deflock #surveillance #flocksafety
Benn found nearly 70 #Flock AI surveillance cameras with no user name or password required to access the past 31 days of recorded or live footage! 😩
Cancel Flock! 🚫
#deflock #surveillance #flocksafety
This Flock Camera Leak is like Netflix For Stalkers
YouTube video by Benn Jordan
youtu.be
December 22, 2025 at 4:44 PM
"The final installment of the Flock Trilogy, filmed on a publicly deployed Flock Safety camera."
Benn found nearly 70 #Flock AI surveillance cameras with no user name or password required to access the past 31 days of recorded or live footage! 😩
Cancel Flock! 🚫
#deflock #surveillance #flocksafety
Benn found nearly 70 #Flock AI surveillance cameras with no user name or password required to access the past 31 days of recorded or live footage! 😩
Cancel Flock! 🚫
#deflock #surveillance #flocksafety
Reposted by Brian Hofer
SCOOP: Flock left at least 60 of its AI-powered, people-tracking surveillance cameras exposed and livestreaming to the open internet. We tracked ourselves. The exposure highlights the power of these cameras and types of things they're tracking. Not just cars.
www.404media.co/flock-expose...
www.404media.co/flock-expose...
Flock Exposed Its AI-Powered Cameras to the Internet. We Tracked Ourselves.
Flock left at least 60 of its people-tracking Condor PTZ cameras live streaming and exposed to the open internet.
www.404media.co
December 22, 2025 at 4:07 PM
SCOOP: Flock left at least 60 of its AI-powered, people-tracking surveillance cameras exposed and livestreaming to the open internet. We tracked ourselves. The exposure highlights the power of these cameras and types of things they're tracking. Not just cars.
www.404media.co/flock-expose...
www.404media.co/flock-expose...
Reposted by Brian Hofer
Yesterday, I told you that my law firm is litigating 66 voting and election cases in 35 states. By the end of today, it is up to 69 cases in 37 states.
The 2026 midterm elections will be a fight to protect democracy. I started Democracy Docket to keep you informed. Sign up now. hubs.ly/Q03M8rql0
The 2026 midterm elections will be a fight to protect democracy. I started Democracy Docket to keep you informed. Sign up now. hubs.ly/Q03M8rql0
December 16, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Yesterday, I told you that my law firm is litigating 66 voting and election cases in 35 states. By the end of today, it is up to 69 cases in 37 states.
The 2026 midterm elections will be a fight to protect democracy. I started Democracy Docket to keep you informed. Sign up now. hubs.ly/Q03M8rql0
The 2026 midterm elections will be a fight to protect democracy. I started Democracy Docket to keep you informed. Sign up now. hubs.ly/Q03M8rql0
Reposted by Brian Hofer
The economy is FAR WORSE than the government is acknowledging. This holiday season, if you know folks struggling, don't be afraid to leave a mystery box of groceries or some gifts from Santa for the kids on their porch. Maybe drop a grocery store gift card in their mailbox.
Be the Christmas magic.
Be the Christmas magic.
December 8, 2025 at 11:51 PM
The economy is FAR WORSE than the government is acknowledging. This holiday season, if you know folks struggling, don't be afraid to leave a mystery box of groceries or some gifts from Santa for the kids on their porch. Maybe drop a grocery store gift card in their mailbox.
Be the Christmas magic.
Be the Christmas magic.
Reposted by Brian Hofer
Berkeley Police Chief Withholds Evidence of “ICE” Search of City Camera Data
Berkeley Police Chief Withholds Evidence of “ICE” Search of City Camera Data
Copwatch Calls for Ban on Mass Surveillance
www.indybay.org
November 29, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Berkeley Police Chief Withholds Evidence of “ICE” Search of City Camera Data
Reposted by Brian Hofer
Homeland Security wants access to driver’s license info for its powerful citizenship data system, and may turn to an obscure data sharing network for it — a move that could avoid having to negotiate with states
My latest for @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/11/25/h...
My latest for @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/11/25/h...
Homeland Security wants state driver’s license data for sweeping citizenship program • Stateline
The Trump administration wants access to state driver’s license data on millions of U.S. residents as it builds a powerful citizenship verification program amid its clampdown on voter fraud and illega...
stateline.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Homeland Security wants access to driver’s license info for its powerful citizenship data system, and may turn to an obscure data sharing network for it — a move that could avoid having to negotiate with states
My latest for @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/11/25/h...
My latest for @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/11/25/h...
Reposted by Brian Hofer
Our societies are militarising:
1️⃣ Governments are using data-intensive systems for military ends
2️⃣ Non-defence companies are entering the defence sector
3️⃣ Defence tech is seeping into civic spaces
4️⃣ Tech used in conflict is used commercially too
privacyinternational.org/long-read/56...
1️⃣ Governments are using data-intensive systems for military ends
2️⃣ Non-defence companies are entering the defence sector
3️⃣ Defence tech is seeping into civic spaces
4️⃣ Tech used in conflict is used commercially too
privacyinternational.org/long-read/56...
What is Militarisation of Tech?
Governments are rapidly militarising our societies. They are already increasing military spending, undermining civil rights protections, and reducing social protection programmes.
privacyinternational.org
November 27, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Our societies are militarising:
1️⃣ Governments are using data-intensive systems for military ends
2️⃣ Non-defence companies are entering the defence sector
3️⃣ Defence tech is seeping into civic spaces
4️⃣ Tech used in conflict is used commercially too
privacyinternational.org/long-read/56...
1️⃣ Governments are using data-intensive systems for military ends
2️⃣ Non-defence companies are entering the defence sector
3️⃣ Defence tech is seeping into civic spaces
4️⃣ Tech used in conflict is used commercially too
privacyinternational.org/long-read/56...
You voted for this, America.
There is talk going around that DHS is now arresting people who fly *domestically* if they have final orders of removal.
Undocumented youth should consider consulting a lawyer to find out what their record is -- especially those whose parents had prior interactions with immigration.
Undocumented youth should consider consulting a lawyer to find out what their record is -- especially those whose parents had prior interactions with immigration.
I feel much safer today knowing that we deported a Babson College student back to a country where she hasn't lived since childhood.
She wasn't even flying internationally. She was flying to Texas.
She wasn't even flying internationally. She was flying to Texas.
November 27, 2025 at 6:21 PM
You voted for this, America.
Reposted by Brian Hofer
If you're looking for a cracking good story to read in bed on a federal holiday, this Flock story's got it all.
Reporter’s Notebook: Committee Failure Breaks Flock Momentum For Now--More on Oakland Arms Embargo and OPD's Bearcats
Flock Fails at Public Safety Committee Meeting
A surprise stalemate at Oakland’s Public Safety Committee Tuesday sapped the trajectory of what many observers believed was an all but assured vote to institutionalize and expand OPD’s Flock surveillance program. OPD’s proposal that would see the department taking over
oakland-observer.ghost.io
November 27, 2025 at 5:33 PM
If you're looking for a cracking good story to read in bed on a federal holiday, this Flock story's got it all.
Reposted by Brian Hofer
We need your help. Because 404 Media uses Ghost (a privacy-forward stack) we don't know much about our readers. Do they find us through articles, or podcasts? Are readers on Bluesky, Mastodon, both? Please fill this out to help us grow sustainably, it takes 1 min! www.404media.co/please-pleas...
Please, please do our reader survey
It'll take just a minute and help 404 Media figure out how to grow sustainably.
www.404media.co
November 25, 2025 at 3:16 PM
We need your help. Because 404 Media uses Ghost (a privacy-forward stack) we don't know much about our readers. Do they find us through articles, or podcasts? Are readers on Bluesky, Mastodon, both? Please fill this out to help us grow sustainably, it takes 1 min! www.404media.co/please-pleas...
Reposted by Brian Hofer
After 9/11, the U.S. built a huge surveillance infrastructure for counterterrorism. It was abused to target Muslim Americans, but the broad authorities were also used to go after protestors. Immigration enforcement is the new counterterrorism: www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
ICE Wants to Go After Dissenters as well as Immigrants
The Trump administration is being open about its plans to violate Americans’ First and Fourth Amendment rights.
www.brennancenter.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:52 PM
After 9/11, the U.S. built a huge surveillance infrastructure for counterterrorism. It was abused to target Muslim Americans, but the broad authorities were also used to go after protestors. Immigration enforcement is the new counterterrorism: www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...