San Francisco’s Tech Trouble: 2024’s Surveillance Setback
San Francisco’s tech-savvy reputation took a hit in 2024. From passing Proposition E to violating state law AB 481, the city’s police department seems to be treating rules like speed bumps. EFF remains committed to ensuring technology serves the people, not the other way around.
Hot Take:
San Francisco’s tech-savvy police department seems to be suffering from a clear case of “surveillance overdrive.” It’s like they swapped their police badges for spy gadgets, and now the city is living in a real-life episode of “Black Mirror.” Someone tell SFPD they’re policing, not auditioning for the next James Bond film!
Key Points:
- San Francisco, once a leader in police technology reform, is experiencing a backslide in 2024.
- Proposition E allows SFPD to experiment with surveillance tech without oversight for one year.
- This measure overrides the 2019 Surveillance Technology Ordinance.
- SFPD violated California’s AB 481 law by purchasing drones without necessary approval.
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) continues to advocate for transparency and accountability.
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