As you enjoy the World Cup, be aware that your online activity might be under surveillance.

This year is a significant one for the United States, marking the semiquincentennial, or America250, while also cohosting the World Cup. However, attendees at these events, along with the millions residing in the host cities, may not be aware that they are under constant observation.

From Kansas City to New York, cities preparing for the World Cup have been enhancing their surveillance systems in anticipation of the tournament. Security measures are particularly heightened in Washington, DC, which, while not a host city, will see a series of major events this summer. The Fourth of July celebrations in the capital will feature an unprecedented level of surveillance, as law enforcement agencies emphasize the need for caution during these unique occasions. Privacy advocates, however, caution that this surveillance may extend beyond just the summer festivities.

Both the Fourth of July fireworks on the National Mall and the World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey have been classified as National Special Security Events (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security, the highest security designation available. While it’s common for major sporting events like the Super Bowl to receive this designation, it’s a first for the Fourth of July. The UFC event at the White House in June also received NSSE status, as did the official UFC watch party on the Ellipse.

Attendees at the National Mall fireworks will face airport-style security checks and will be prohibited from bringing folding chairs or coolers. Counter-drone measures will be implemented, along with bomb technicians, countersnipers, and medical personnel from various federal agencies. While many of these security measures will be visible, others, such as biometric tracking camera networks, may go unnoticed.

The heightened security at the National Mall seems to be a response to criticisms regarding security lapses at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a gunman allegedly fired at a Secret Service agent.

Similar security protocols will be in effect for the World Cup final, which is expected to be attended by Donald Trump, who will reportedly present the trophy to the winning team. Jules Boykoff, a political science professor and author, noted that security will be extensive regardless of the president’s attendance, with or without him adding an extra layer of security.

Boykoff also mentioned that there might be an increased presence of ICE at the World Cup final, recalling the arrest of rapper 21 Savage at the 2019 Super Bowl, another NSSE event, for overstaying his visa.

Anne Toomey McKenna, a privacy and biometric surveillance attorney, pointed out that the NSSE designation could facilitate the collection of communications data under the more lenient standards of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, rather than the stricter requirements of the Wiretap Act.

Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House task force for the World Cup, has indicated that security will be heightened at all matches, even those not attended by Trump. He advised ticket holders to arrive early, as gates will open three hours before kickoff, countering the tendency of soccer fans to arrive just before the game starts.

The surveillance efforts extend beyond individual events, involving the establishment of a vast network across the country. The Department of Homeland Security allocated $250 million in grants through FEMA to states hosting World Cup matches, much of which has been used to acquire counter-drone technology. The FBI has also been training local law enforcement on drone mitigation strategies. Giuliani mentioned that all Fan Fests in the 11 host cities will be equipped with counter-drone technology, although it remains unclear if the same technology that led to an airspace closure in El Paso earlier this year is being utilized.

New York City, technically a host city despite matches occurring in New Jersey, has invested $6.5 million in counter-drone technology. In Kansas City, authorities have confiscated at least 16 drones since the World Cup began.

Boykoff remarked that major sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics often serve as a financial boon for local and national police forces, creating a state of exception that allows for extensive security measures. Once these tools are implemented, they often remain in place. For instance, Paris has introduced AI video surveillance ahead of the 2024 Olympics and plans to maintain it through 2027, despite privacy concerns.

Similar camera systems have been deployed across the U.S. in preparation for the World Cup, even in areas far from the stadiums. Kansas City had plans to install facial recognition cameras on city buses, although the state government declined to fund the project due to privacy issues. The city proceeded with the initiative, claiming it would aid in locating missing persons and preventing human trafficking during the international event. Officials stated that images captured would only be retained if they matched active missing persons alerts.

Tyler Means, chief mobility and strategy officer at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, acknowledged the complexities of privacy, stating that while cameras have always been present on buses, the new technology may take time for the public to accept. The camera program has faced delays due to backlash but is expected to launch later this year, after the World Cup concludes.

The America250 celebrations will see thousands of law enforcement personnel, including National Guard troops and FBI agents, many equipped with body cameras. Several cities have either expanded or reactivated their CCTV systems in anticipation of the World Cup. Seattle, for example, has reactivated dormant cameras following briefings from the FBI and local police about “credible threats” during the games.

McKenna noted that while the increase in surveillance may be justified given the heightened risks, concerns remain regarding how biometric data is collected and stored. She highlighted that British Columbia, also a World Cup host, has regulations governing the retention of surveillance footage, a framework that the U.S. currently lacks.

Despite the long-standing presence of CCTV, advancements in camera technology and AI have made these systems far more sophisticated. Early footage provided basic insights, but modern systems can tilt, pan, zoom, and even see miles away. They can incorporate thermal imaging and facial recognition technology, which may be accessible to law enforcement. Some AI software can analyze facial expressions and predict behavior, further complicating privacy concerns.

McKenna explained that the integration of advanced AI systems allows for the merging of vast amounts of data, enabling the identification of individuals in ways that were previously impossible. While an officer on the street may not recognize every passerby, facial recognition technology can analyze footage collected by CCTV systems.

All this data can be sent to federal fusion centers, facilitating information sharing between local law enforcement and federal agencies like ICE and the FBI. McKenna warned that increased collaboration between local and federal security agencies can lead to a loss of control over how collected information is utilized.

She emphasized that the protections intended to prevent the misuse of data collected for national security purposes in domestic law enforcement are becoming increasingly blurred.

With a few weeks left in the World Cup, the future of the surveillance data collected during the matches remains uncertain, particularly regarding how long it will be stored and its potential uses.