Opposition to Chula Vista Privacy and Technology Advisory Commission
Published on 6/13/2023
Dear Council Members,
The League of Women Voters' position on surveillance states that ”Cities and counties should enact privacy and technology-use ordinances to protect privacy and other civil liberties.” Later in that position it states that there should be “Evidence of crime-prevention effectiveness, civil rights impact, fiscal costs, and source of funding for surveillance technology…” and the “Establishment of independent civilian commissions at the local jurisdiction level which consist of representatives of involved communities of interest such as civil rights advocates, attorneys, marginalized groups, specialists in technology, privacy and open government, to oversee all law enforcement and government acquisition and use of technology for surveillance.
The League of Women Voters is concerned regarding the lack of inclusion of impacted communities and their organizations. We are also concerned that there will be a lot of work to do at the beginning when they have to monitor any proposed materials along with the materials already purchased and being used. We recommend having monthly meetings at least until the commission can be able to judge how often they need to meet.