Held Atlanta surveillance plan would restrict vendor data sales and require monthly police audits

Atlanta’s held surveillance proposal would prohibit technology vendors and contractors from selling or monetizing city surveillance data. Ordinance 26-O-1401 allows exceptions for disclosures required by law or valid legal process, and disclosures strictly necessary to provide contracted services when expressly authorized by a written city agreement.

Atlanta Police would conduct monthly audits of its use of Level II and Level III surveillance technology, reviewing system access and searches for potential misuse. The department would report material findings, suspected or confirmed violations and corrective actions through the police chief’s quarterly reporting, subject to confidentiality and legal restrictions.

Level III, or high-impact, systems would receive independent technical audits at least annually; Level II systems would receive independent audits based on risk at the City Auditor’s discretion. The Public Safety and Legal Administration Committee unanimously held the council-substituted ordinance Sept. 28 for more information and review. These remain proposed safeguards, not enacted requirements.