AI Surveillance Regulations in Thurston County
Thurston County commissioners are currently deliberating the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance technologies within the county. This initiative aims to establish necessary guardrails for the acquisition and use of such technologies, ensuring they do not expand without the board’s knowledge and approval.
The Draft Ordinance
Commissioner Carolina Mejia presented a draft ordinance during a recent work session, emphasizing the need for transparency and governance in the utilization of AI tools. According to Mejia, the rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates a reevaluation of existing policies to address tools capable of inference, prediction, and biometric analysis.
A Growing Concern
Mejia highlighted the increasing integration of AI in everyday systems, such as surveillance cameras and automated decision-making platforms. She stated, “The real risk is not a single technology, but the normalization of the systems,” indicating that when such technologies become commonplace, it becomes challenging to track their approval, data collection practices, and control mechanisms.
Next Steps
The commissioners unanimously directed the county manager to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to further develop the proposal. Mejia expressed her intent to ensure Thurston County is proactive in setting clear expectations for transparency, accountability, and civil liberties before new technologies are adopted.
Informed by Best Practices
Mejia’s draft ordinance is informed by various resources, including guidelines from Washington State Technology Services and oversight frameworks adopted in other jurisdictions such as Seattle and Oakland. This reflects a commitment to creating a robust regulatory framework for AI technologies.
Key Provisions of the Ordinance
The proposed ordinance identifies the potential risks associated with AI-enabled surveillance technologies, including threats to privacy and civil liberties. It prohibits the use of:
- Real-time facial recognition in public spaces.
- AI surveillance technology for profiling based on protected characteristics.
- Predictive policing systems aimed at specific individuals or communities.
- Covert AI-enabled surveillance without sheriff approval.
- Sharing surveillance data with external entities without board authorization.
Surveillance Impact Reports
Departments seeking to implement AI surveillance technologies must submit a surveillance impact report detailing:
- A description of the technology and its intended use.
- Assessment of potential privacy impacts and data privacy practices.
- Data collection and retention policies.
- Cost analysis associated with the technology.
- Proposed mitigation measures and departmental policies.
Annual Surveillance Reports
Additionally, departments using AI technologies must provide an annual surveillance report that includes:
- A list of deployed technologies and their purposes.
- Summary of audits and bias testing.
- Data access events and any incidents of misuse.
- Total costs incurred and any planned modifications.
Ensuring Data Protection
The draft ordinance emphasizes that only the minimum amount of data necessary should be collected, with strict limitations on data retention. It also mandates the implementation of robust security measures to protect the collected data.
Conclusion
As Thurston County moves forward with this proposal, it aims to strike a balance between leveraging AI technologies for governmental operations while safeguarding the privacy and rights of its residents. Ongoing discussions highlight the importance of thoughtful public engagement in shaping the future of AI surveillance in local governance.
