EFF Sues DOJ & DHS Over App Removals, Alleging Government Coercion of Tech Platforms
the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) today launched a lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking clarity regarding federal government pressure on tech companies to remove apps documenting immigration enforcement. This action follows the removal of several apps – including ICE Block, Red Dot, and DeICER – and webpages like ICE Sighting-Chicagoland from major platforms earlier this year. The EFF argues these removals raise serious concerns about potential First Amendment violations.
What Happened?
Tech giants Apple, Google, and Meta took down these tools after interaction with federal officials. This sparked questions about whether the government improperly influenced these companies to suppress information about thier activities. The EFF believes uncovering the details of these communications is crucial to protecting basic rights.
A Timeline of Events
* October 2025: florida Attorney General Pamela Bondi publicly announced she pressured Apple to remove ICEBlock, an app allowing users to report Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.
* Following days: Apple removed several similar apps from its App Store.
* Shortly After: Google and Meta removed comparable apps and webpages from their respective platforms, reportedly at the government’s request.
* Continued Pressure: Bondi stated her intention to “continue engaging tech companies” on this issue.
Why This Matters to You
You have a constitutionally protected right to document and share information about law enforcement activities occurring in public spaces. This includes reporting on ICE activity in yoru community. The EFF contends that if government officials coerce tech companies into suppressing this protected activity, it’s a violation of the First Amendment. Essentially, the government can’t do indirectly what it’s prohibited from doing directly.
The EFF’s Action: A FOIA Lawsuit
Last month,the EFF filed Freedom of information Act (FOIA) requests with the DOJ,DHS,ICE,and Customs and Border Protection. These requests aimed to obtain records and communications detailing agency demands for the removal of these apps and webpages. Unluckily, the agencies have yet to respond.
Therefore, the EFF has filed a lawsuit to compel the release of these records. “We’re filing this lawsuit to find out just what the government told tech companies,” explained EFF Staff Attorney F. Mario Trujillo. “Getting these records will be critical to determining whether federal officials crossed the line into unconstitutional coercion and censorship of protected speech.”
What’s at Stake?
This case isn’t just about a few apps. It’s about safeguarding your right to transparency and accountability when it comes to government actions.It’s about ensuring that tech platforms remain open forums for information, rather than tools for censorship.
Resources:
* Complaint: https://www.eff.org/document/complaint-eff-v-doj-dhs-ice-tracking-apps
* EFF Litigation Page: https://www.eff.org/cases/eff-v-doj-dhs-ice-tracking-apps
* your Right to Film Police: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/02/yes-you-have-right-film-ice
Disclaimer: This article provides information for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with an attorney for advice on specific legal issues.
