Brooklyn Nonprofit Wins $100,000 Prize for Surveillance Reform

A nonprofit organization focused on combating intrusive surveillance has been awarded a $100,000 prize by another Brooklyn-based nonprofit. The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), led by Michelle Dahl, was recognized for its efforts to promote privacy rights and address the increasing use of surveillance technologies in communities.

Recognition for Efforts Against Surveillance

The award, known as the Spark Prize, was announced following a competitive selection process. S.T.O.P. was chosen as one of five winners from a pool of twenty finalists. According to Jocelynne Rainey, president and chief executive of Brooklyn Org, the prize honors organizations dedicated to enhancing safety, dignity, and equity within the borough. Rainey stated, “From expanding safety and dignity for Muslim women to elevating youth civil leadership and protecting communities from harmful surveillance, these organizations are moving our borough toward lasting equity.”

Dahl noted that the prize comes at a critical time. “We’ve seen more aggressive policing, which usually involves higher use of surveillance tools that target communities, particularly ICE agents using live facial recognition apps on their phones,” she explained. “It can be wrong.” This statement underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding the implications of surveillance technology on civil liberties.

Implications for New York City

The recognition of S.T.O.P. comes as New York City explores plans to become the first city in the United States to implement free universal child care. These initiatives reflect a broader movement towards addressing social inequities and improving community welfare. The intersection of these developments highlights the urgent need for oversight in the deployment of surveillance technology, particularly in urban centers where residents may face heightened scrutiny.

As the conversation around surveillance continues to evolve, organizations like S.T.O.P. are positioned at the forefront of advocating for policies that protect individual rights. The Spark Prize aims to amplify these voices, providing critical support for initiatives that seek to hold institutions accountable and foster a more equitable society.

With the financial backing from the Spark Prize, S.T.O.P. will further its mission to monitor and challenge the deployment of invasive surveillance technologies, emphasizing the importance of civil rights protections in an increasingly monitored society.