旧金山选民通过E提案，扩大警察监控工具
周二，全国最先进的城市将支持一项关于犯罪问题的投票提案，赋予警方更大的灵活性，利用无人机和其他监视技术
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5 years post San Francisco’s face recognition ban, voters request increased surveillance.
San Francisco made headlines in 2019 for banning face recognition technology. However, in a surprising turn of events, voters in San Francisco have approved Proposition E, a ballot measure that gives the city’s police department more freedom to deploy surveillance tools, particularly drones, and install public security cameras. While the existing ban on face recognition technology remains intact, this new proposition loosens other important protections, which has sparked concerns among civil liberties groups.
A Blow to Surveillance Reforms
Proposition E, which garnered 60 percent of the vote, was backed by San Francisco Mayor London Breed. It eliminates the oversight previously required from the city’s Police Commission and Board of Supervisors before adopting new surveillance technology. The measure also eases the restrictions on the deployment of drones and public security cameras, allowing the police department to seek approval within the first year of implementation.
Critics argue that Proposition E undermines the hard-fought reforms that San Francisco had championed in recent years to rein in surveillance. Caitlin Seeley George, from the nonprofit organization Fight for the Future, believes that expanding police use of surveillance technology while reducing oversight and transparency puts people’s rights at risk and increases the potential for harm.
Concerns About Public Safety
Proponents of Proposition E, including Mayor London Breed, argue that it is a necessary response to concerns about crime in San Francisco. While overall crime rates have declined in the city, the increase in overdose deaths caused by fentanyl and the impact of the pandemic on commercial downtown areas have remained ongoing challenges. By expanding the use of technology and allowing officers to be more present on the streets, the proponents believe that San Francisco can become a safer city.
The Ripple Effect and Controversy
San Francisco’s initial ban on face recognition technology back in 2019 was seen as a catalyst for a nationwide movement against surveillance. Many other cities followed suit and implemented similar bans, accompanied by new oversight mechanisms for police surveillance. Matt Cagle of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) acknowledges the concerns about San Francisco becoming less safe but emphasizes the importance of maintaining the city’s critical role in rejecting surveillance systems that lack sufficient oversight.
The Impact and Future Developments
Proposition E has raised questions about the specific surveillance technologies that the police department will adopt. The new rules do not specify which types of drones, surveillance cameras, or body-worn cameras will be used. It’s worth noting that many newer drones on the market already have built-in face recognition technology. While some devices may allow users to toggle tracking options, the algorithms behind object tracking are often opaque and not easily understandable.
The proposition also allows for a level of secrecy around the trial and testing of surveillance technologies by the San Francisco Police Department. For up to a year, these technologies can remain undisclosed, which has raised concerns among privacy advocates and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).
Q&A: Addressing Reader Concerns
Q: What are the potential dangers of expanding police surveillance technology? A: Critics argue that expanding police surveillance technology without sufficient oversight and transparency undermines people’s rights and increases the risk of harm. It may lead to privacy violations, potential abuse of power, and the targeting of marginalized communities.
Q: How does San Francisco’s proposition compare to other cities that have implemented surveillance technology bans? A: While San Francisco’s 2019 ban on face recognition technology was influential in sparking a nationwide movement against surveillance, Proposition E risks diluting its impact. Several other cities implemented similar bans, often accompanied by additional oversight mechanisms to regulate police surveillance.
Q: Will the expanded use of surveillance technology make San Francisco a safer city? A: Proponents of Proposition E argue that by expanding the use of surveillance technology and increasing police presence, San Francisco can enhance public safety. However, critics contend that public safety should be achieved through comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of crime, rather than solely relying on increased surveillance.
Q: What can individuals do to protect their privacy in the face of expanding police surveillance? A: It is essential for individuals to stay informed about the surveillance technology being deployed in their communities. They can advocate for strong privacy regulations, engage in discussions with local policymakers, and support organizations that champion digital rights and civil liberties.
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展望未来
旧金山通过E提案的批准引发了重大关注，并开启了关于公共安全和个人隐私平衡的进一步讨论。目前还不清楚警方监控工具的扩展将如何影响这座城市，以及它是否会影响其他面临类似争议的市政当局做出的决定。
参考资料
- 莱特购禁止使用人工智能面部识别技术
- 优步在印度城市测试灵活定价服务
- T-Mobile向用户提供免费的带广告的Hulu
- Faye Iosotaluno 被任命为 Tinder 首席执行官
- 亚马逊和SpaceX悄然试图废除国家劳动法
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