Twin Cities panel warns of surveillance and AI oversight gaps

A community panel in the Twin Cities has raised alarms regarding the rapid advancement of mass surveillance and artificial intelligence, noting that these technologies are outpacing local regulatory frameworks. The discussion featured representatives from the ACLU of Minnesota, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and local officials.

Concerns were highlighted by a Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation into Minneapolis police activity between 2010 and 2020. The investigation found that officers utilized covert social media accounts to monitor Black residents, elected officials, and organizations such as the NAACP and the Urban League. While the city has disputed certain findings, officials noted that these tactics were used to track and potentially intimidate community members.

Additionally, questions were raised regarding the Minneapolis Police Department’s use of Zencity, an Israeli AI firm, to assist in complying with a settlement agreement following the civil rights violations identified by the state.