The Pledge

I understand mass surveillance as any system of indiscriminate data capture by which the general populace is automatically tracked without cause or suspicion. Such systems include automated license plate readers (ALPRs), video surveillance cameras (including data assimilated from privately owned cameras), and drones.

I recognize that no amount of regulatory or technical ambition can protect this type of data once it has been collected, especially if that data is managed by a third party provider. Mass surveillance makes all citizens, and especially marginalized groups, more vulnerable to abuse of power.

Finally, I acknowledge that mass surveillance neither prevents crime nor addresses the underlying causes of crime, and it instead violates our Sanctuary city commitment.

I pledge that I will not vote to approve, renew, expand, or otherwise allow any mass surveillance system in Berkeley, and I will work to remove the existing network of 52 Flock ALPRs.