Flock systems in Santa Cruz have been caught sharing data beyond its stated purpose, including out-of-state agencies and federal immigration enforcement, violating California laws like SB 34 and SB 54.

Now we are told that the solution is to find a different vendor. This is not a solution- as there is no ethical solution to mass surveillance of Santa Cruz citizens. Replacing one cooperation with another, signing another contract with a private surveillance cooperation would be us failing to learn from our lessons as a local government which must prioritize protecting our constituents, of all ethnicities and origins, first. 

The incumbent of district 6 wants to continue to hand over our data to companies that profit from tracking us and targeting our communities politically marginalized.

Inequity in mass surveillance

Mass surveillance is not neutral, as they disproportionately target:

• LGBTQ+ people
• Black and Brown communities
• Immigrants
• Muslim residents
• Unhoused people
• Women and anyone seeking reproductive care

At a time when national policies are already attacking these groups by restricting rights, limiting healthcare access, and enforcing discriminatory laws, building surveillance infrastructure at the local level makes Santa Cruz complicit. Santa Cruz cannot claim to be progressive while enabling ALPR systems that

• Track residents without warrants
• Store and analyze personal data indefinitely
• Feed into national surveillance and ICE networks 
• Put vulnerable communities at greater risk

The corporate surveillance machine

Surveillance companies are not public servants; they are corporations whose profits depend on expanding surveillance by selling access to massive datasets of personal movement, encouraging warrantless tracking/data sharing, and lobbying governments to adopt more invasive technologies. The 2023 Grand Civil Jury already warned that local government oversight of surveillance technology is lacking In Santa Cruz. Yet instead of pulling back, local leadership continues to push forward. 

Government officials cannot claim to support civil rights while expanding the tools used to violate them. 

Gabriella Noack is calling for constituent protection from targeted mass surveillance

• No ALPR systems in Santa Cruz
• No government contracts with private surveillance corporations
• Transparency around any use of drones or camera networks 
• Warrant requirements for any data access
• Public accountability for all surveillance-related decisions and law enforcement use

This is the bare minimum required to protect a free society. Santa Cruz must choose to lead. 

As a public servant, I wish to protect civil liberties while building real community safety rooted in community solutions; not mass tracking of everyday Santa Cruz residents.

Santa Cruz has a choice;

• Be a model for civil liberties
• Or become another data point in a national surveillance state

Reject a mass surveillance state. Vote Gabriella Noack for District 6 City Council.

Gabriella Nack is Endorsed by Get The Flock Out.

Get the flock out