Local Governments Debate AI Surveillance and Privacy Rights

Local governing bodies in Louisiana and Pennsylvania are grappling with the proliferation of AI-powered surveillance cameras and the resulting privacy concerns of their residents.

In Louisiana, the Livingston Parish Council voted 6-3 on Thursday to delay a vote on an ordinance that would ban private security and surveillance cameras, including Flock cameras, from parish right-of-ways. Councilman Ryan Chavers introduced the measure to protect residents from AI surveillance, while Councilman Ricky Goff argued that the sheriff should be the one to approve or deny specific camera systems. The proposal has returned to the ordinance committee for revisions to ensure the language is specific enough for enforcement.

Simultaneously, residents of Logan Township, Pennsylvania, challenged the installation of Flock Safety license plate readers during a supervisors meeting on August 28. Carol Taylor, President of Indivisible Blair County, identified five cameras installed around the Penn State Altoona campus and local businesses. Residents argued that the private company tracks excessive driver characteristics for profit. Logan Township Solicitor Dan Stants advised the board that existing ordinances may not apply to cameras installed on private property that passively gather information.