In a woefully inaccurate news release issued at 5pm on January 18, 2022, the mayor of San Francisco London Breed, describes San Francisco’s surveillance ordinance as an “obstacle” to law enforcement and declares an intention to modify it, by ballot initiative if necessary, to allow unfettered use of private camera networks for real-time monitoring by SFPD if a “public safety crisis” or “open-air drug market” is declared. Breed’s full press release can be read here.
Oakland Privacy responds to Mayor Breed’s false characterization of what SF’s surveillance ordinance allows here.
Tracy Rosenberg from Oakland Privacy comments: The use of any surveillance technology with impunity is a recipe for disaster. We’ve seen the building of a surveillance state with just these kinds of demands for unfettered and unregulated use. “Trust us” is not the answer for technology. It’s having clear rules of the road. San Francisco’s mayor and police department saying “we don’t want no stinking rules” is really disappointing. Rules are not “an obstacle,” they are a safety measure.”