Austin City Council members recently approved an ordinance that regulates how city departments can use surveillance technology.
The Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology Act was created following backlash to a proposal that would have added cameras to several Austin parks. Austinites said adding cameras to parks violates civil liberties and raises concerns over privacy, data collection, and oversight.
Here’s what you need to know about the TRUST Act:
Austin Officials Have To Do a Review
The ordinance calls for city departments to take stock of the surveillance technology they may already have in place. Departments will have to get rid of any current technology that doesn’t comply with the ordinance.
Departments Need Approval Before Using Surveillance Tech
City employees must get approval from Austin City Council before a department is allowed to use technology like aerial drones with cameras, automatic license plate readers, and other camera systems.
Before a department can get approval, they must write and publish a report about why they need surveillance technology at least four weeks before they plan to use it, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The report must also detail how the department plans to protect the privacy of Austinites.
A department can set up contracts with technology vendors once approved.
“I think (the act) will also increase public trust in the city; that we’re doing this all above board, that there’s no secret deals where we’re allowing third-party companies to acquire and sell our residents’ data. I think it improves trust and confidence in the city government,” Council Member Mike Siegel told Community Impact.
The Act Bans Some Tools
The TRUST Act includes limits on what tools city departments can use. Tools using facial recognition are not allowed. Limits on how collected data can be used are also now in place.
