The Problem

Across the country, public and private entities are using inaccurate and racially-biased technology to track people based on their biometrics. The Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA) protects biometric data and is one of the most robust privacy laws in the country. However, companies like Facebook and Google, which profit from data exploitation, have been aggressively lobbying against it.

Our Solution

LPL plans to diligently create infrastructure around each of its core program areas: Education, Investigation, and Litigation.‍

Education

LPL’s Education initiative is focused on developing relationships with communities harmed by technologies. We're building tools for criminalized people to understand how the technologies operate, and supporting campaigns to challenge the use of these technologies. Additionally, elected officials, journalists, community groups, and others often consult LPL to better understand the technologies that are now ubiquitous across Chicago. Read More

Investigation

LPL’s Investigation initiative performs systematic research on the technologies deployed by public and private institutions and the companies who develop these tools. This research guides journalists who conduct investigations into how new and current technologies are impacting the lives of people throughout Chicago. LPL’s expertise and research helps provide clear explanations on what can be highly technical topics. LPL plans to hire a Data Journalist in 2024 to deepen this research. Read More

Litigation

LPL’s Litigation initiative partners with attorneys at firms in Chicago to challenge technologies that violate civil liberties and civil rights. LPL has participated in multiple amicus briefs over the last several years while also providing important evidence in other lawsuits. With the development and deployment of more technologies, LPL expects an increase in future litigation as new legal questions arise. Read More