Solvang officials review AI surveillance policy following public backlash

The Solvang City Council is re-evaluating its AI camera policy following public backlash regarding the surveillance of residents and tourists. The council intends to review a three-year contract approved in July 2025 with XIT Solutions to install Verkada cameras at several locations, including City Hall, Solvang Park, and various street intersections.

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona initiated the review, noting that the council had not sufficiently investigated the technology, data storage protocols, or access governance before approval. Orona specifically cited security vulnerabilities, noting that Verkada has previously suffered hacks that compromised super admin credentials. She also expressed concern over the city’s expansion into facial recognition and license plate recognition tools in the absence of specific California laws governing such technology.

In a related development, the Santa Barbara City Council abandoned its own planned contract with Verkada to conduct a comprehensive review of its license plate reader policies.