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Privacy

Updated 03.18.10  Improvements in technology, combined with a weakening of our legal protections, have resulted in unprecedented government power.

What's happening in Ohio
ACLU Legal Actions 

University of Akron's plan to collect DNA blocked
In October 2009 the ACLU learned of a new University of Akron policy requiring job applicants to submit to a DNA test at the discretion of the school. After criticism from the ACLU and a Faculty Senate resolution denouncing the policy, the University's general counsel recommended that the University repeal the provision.

Release of Maple Heights citizens' private information
The ACLU of Ohio cautioned city officials to be vigilant in protecting citizens' privacy when fulfilling public records requests. Officials released social security and driver's license numbers in responding to a routine records request.

Privacy for Toledo students
In response to complaints from the ACLU and other community groups, Toledo Public Schools has established procedures for notifying parents and students of their right to opt out of providing private information to military recruiters and other parties. Read the press release.

Sexting by young people
In April 2009 the ACLU of Ohio sent letters to all county prosecutors and members of the Ohio General Assembly, calling on them to avoid charging “sexting” teens with a sex crime. Sexting involves sending nude or partially nude images to others. Read the press release.

 

Ohio Legislation

"Joe the Plumber" and privacy
During the 2008 presidential campaign, it was discovered that state officials approved the use of government databases to obtain information about Joseph Wurzelbacher, also known as "Joe the Plumber." The ACLU of Ohio called for immediate action to mandate that state agencies implement privacy protections.

In response, the Ohio General Assembly passed H.B. 648 in December 2008, which limits the use of state-created databases to legitimate purposes and punishes employees who use them for the wrong reasons. Read our press release and testimony in favor of H.B. 648.

 To access related items on our website, use the Archives search box on the In The News page, as well as the search box on our home page. Use the search term “plumber” for each.

Testing bodily fluids without a warrant
A recently enacted law requires individuals suspected of DUI to submit to testing of their bodily fluids, without a warrant, when they’ve been convicted of DUI at least twice before. Read our press release and testimony against the legislation.

  

Resources

Electronic Frontier Foundation report on law enforcement’s use of social media

Find out about your right to access your government files using the Freedom of Information Act request process.

Worried about the privacy of information you submit to the Census Bureau? Learn more.

National ACLU Technology and Liberty Project

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Read press releases and articles about privacy in our News Center.