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After months of discussions and community input on surveillance technology in Nashville, Metro Council Members concluded a debate on Fusus technology by voting against the approval of a contract with the vendor Fusus. The resolution would have allowed the Metro Nashville Police Department to access private security cameras throughout the city.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell had proposed substitutes to the contract, including a kill switch in case of violations, a ban on facial recognition and AI tools, and prevention of unilateral modifications to terms of use. Despite previous consideration of a six-month pilot program for License Plate Readers in 2023, Metro Council did not move forward due to concerns about targeting minority communities. However, Mayor O’Connell suggested a return of LPRs in May 2024, leading to the initiation of the Fusus request by MNPD in October.
During the debate at the Metro Council meeting, community members expressed both support and opposition to the technology. Some voiced worries about mass surveillance through public and private cameras, while others highlighted the potential benefits for public safety.
Ultimately, the Council’s decision to reject the Fusus contract reflected concerns about trust in local law enforcement and the potential abuse of the technology. Both sides acknowledged the importance of finding a balance between public safety and privacy concerns. The debate highlighted the need for clear policies and protocols to address the use of surveillance technology in Nashville.
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