by Lou Katz
Established over 10 years ago as a response to an attempt to blanket Oakland with a surveillance apparatus called the “Domain Awareness Center” (DAC) which would cover Oakland with cameras and microphones. Oakland’s PAC is one of the few actually functioning civilian oversight bodies in the country.
The commission’s charter, described on the city’s website
(https://www.oaklandca.gov/Government/Boards-Commissions/Privacy-Advisory-Commission)
is to review city activies with regards to privacy and surveillance and to recommend to the City Council on the balance between the costs and the possible harms due to loss of privacy and the gains due to the increased capture of information about people in Oakland.The commission, which meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 5-7PM, has established and maintains productive relationships with city departments and agencies, including OPD, and has worked with them to produce a balance between privacy and security and the legitimate needs and role of law enforcement. This balance is reflected in policies which specify when and how data can be obtained, when it is not permitted, how long the data will be retained and annual reporting on the actual functioning of the programs. You can see and hear how the commission has functioned by looking at/listening to the recordings of the meetings linked on the commission web page.
I have been on this commission since its inception and am proud of the work we have done. Although my term has expired, I am able to remain on the commission until a replacement is brought forward, which I hope will be soon. There are 4 vacancies right now, mine and 1 other which is being filled by holdovers until replaced.
The commissioners are appointed by the Mayor, on advice of the council members. You can apply through the website
(https://oakland.granicus.com/boards/forms/168/apply?board_name=Privacy+Advisory+Commission)
and should also contact your councilmember.The current federal government is attempting to accumulate as much information as they can
about everyone, to use arbitrarily against anyone who disagrees with them or challenges
them or is a convenient target against which to exercise uncheckable power. This commission
is at least a small stumbling block in their way.Lou Katz
Commissioner, District 4
lou@metron.com