Pflugerville passes SAFE policy

I think that that's my biggest thing is that we're not using it for what we need to be using it for. Instead, we're using it for bad, and that's what's frustrating. Concerns over the use of AI and surveillance across communities has only continued to grow. But the city of Pflugerville is hoping to put its residents' minds at ease. All of these technologies are being used, and we want them to have these tools to do their jobs really effectively and safely. But we also need to make sure that we're protecting the city's data and our residents' data. After canceling a contract with the Flock surveillance system, the city of Pflugerville is moving forward with a policy to guard the way the city uses AI, surveillance, and data sharing. We want to make sure that one bad software technology is not going to be replaced with another just because it has a different name. We're going to make sure everything is thoroughly vetted and reviewed by a citizen committee and truly benefits our citizens. The SAFE Act establishes the following safeguards. Resident oversight, which means a group of residents will review any new proposed technology and provide recommendations to staff. Data privacy, meaning vendors and outside parties can't sell city data or use it for unrelated purposes. And restrictions on surveillance. So facial recognition and certain biometric identification systems are prohibited without city council authorization. We are already working to identify any high risk software products that are already being used and anything that meets that criteria will have to go through an official approval process by the council. Residents I spoke with tell me they're on board with vetting the city's use of AI and data sharing. They just want to see transparency from the city. I think just sharing with us why. Like being very honest and vocal and communicative with us on why they're doing what they're doing. And then also giving us the opportunity to decide if that's something that we want. That's important.