Privacy concerns arise over AI security cameras considered by city of Missoula
Privacy concerns arise over AI security cameras considered by city of Missoula
Publish Date: 2026-06-26 16:17:00
Source Domain: www.kpax.com
MISSOULA — The city of Missoula has been looking to replace its outdated security cameras at various parks and aquatics facilities, but the new Verkada cameras have raised concern amongst the public, and city council members, over their AI facial recognition and license plate reading abilities.
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Privacy concerns arise over AI security cameras considered by city of Missoula
“It was brought up earlier that this has not been found unconstitutional. I’m gonna remind you that MCA can change and the Constitution can change,” one member of the public said at the Missoula City Council’s Monday night meeting.
One key concern raised by members of the public was the cameras’ constitutionality in relation to the right to privacy.
That’s something that Constance Van Kley, an assistant professor at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, says is not unwarranted.
“Often, it seems like AI is fully integrated into a product. And so if it’s so completely integrated into a product, what safeguards are there that could really prevent this product capable of doing these things that are prohibited by law? What safeguards could the city implement to effectively prevent the use of AI?” Van Kley said.
Van Kley says the legal implications lie in the camera’s capabilities themselves and whether the city has the power to prevent the company from activating the AI capabilities without the city’s permission. Although she did note that her knowledge of the cameras is limited, and it’s hard to say exactly what the implications may be.
“I think part of the city’s response needs to be complete compliance with the law and another part really needs to be explaining to people what the technology can and can’t do and being very transparent about that,” Van Kley said.
Virginia Ramsey, a communications representative with Verkada, said that her company takes privacy with utmost seriousness, and that entities…
