• xodasu@sh.itjust.works
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    6 hours ago

    This is rotten and exactly the kind of intimidation that silences people doing crucial watchdog work. Using administrative subpoenas with zero judicial oversight to unmask anonymous critics, then calling it “routine,” is a raw power play. Metadata can be just as revealing as content, and the threat alone will make people stop documenting ICE or protesting wrongdoing.

    Tech companies need to stop being passive. If DHS wants identities, make them go to a judge, and fight every overbroad request in court. Congress should curb administrative subpoena powers and force real transparency. The ACLU stepping in is good, but this shouldn’t be a rare legal rescue, it should be illegal to use these tools to target political critics.

    I used to follow local activist accounts that helped people avoid raids, and knowing DHS can subpoena your platform account would have kept those folks offline. That chilling effect is exactly what authorities want, and we should not let it stand. Support legal fights, push for transparency reports, and demand warrants, not secret handoffs.

    • comrade_twisty@feddit.org
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      6 hours ago

      Tech companies need to stop being passive

      you need to realize that US tech bros are not only complicit but actually the main drivers and sponsors of this speed run into a fascist surveillance state

      Stop using their products. Stop your subscriptions. Stop all unnecessary consumption.

          • Tyrq@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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            4 hours ago

            I don’t know if enough people care to make the sacrifice. I like the idea of having hope, but I don’t have much faith left in humanity to fight against the system they’re so tied into now

              • Tyrq@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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                4 hours ago

                I hope so, it’s only going to get more grim until enough people make a significant impact on all of these evil fucks. And that’s just the money, they’ll still be ideologically evil no matter how much we squeeze them.