With information gathering, no rules apply

“Fusion centers” set up to share information and intelligence, offer common dangers for information sharing centers with no controls, no oversight and no structure, which then offers no protection on people’s first amendment rights said the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) during a teleconference today on the growing role of local law enforcement in federal surveillance.

The ACLU, which released a report on state and local “fusion centers, ” where intelligence and surveillance is shared with other jurisdictions and the federal government last year, released an update showing that the U.S. is constructing a de facto domestic intelligence system, even though Congress has never voted for the change in security agencies.

Jay Stanley, public education director with the ACLU, said that “fusion centers” are part of a much larger trent towards justification of keeping tabs on the everyday lives of everyday Americans. The ACLU is recommending an end to the “cloak of secrecy” surrounding “fusion centers” and for Congressional action.

Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office, called on Congress to have more oversight over “fusion centers.” She said that Congress needs to step up and enact regulations and controls over centers in order to fix problems and protect citizens rights.