City Council will hold a public hearing Thursday on an emergency proposal to expand AI-powered surveillance capabilities in response to recent cyber-attacks attributed to the individual known as "TerrorByte."

The Proposal

Resolution 2045-187, introduced by Council member Robert Hayes, would authorize emergency procurement of 2,400 AI-enabled surveillance cameras from Nexus Corporation. The $48 million cost would be drawn from the city's emergency reserve fund.

According to the resolution text, the cameras would feature:

• Real-time facial recognition capabilities

• Behavioral analysis algorithms to detect "suspicious activity"

• Integration with existing police and Nexus Corp monitoring systems

• Data retention of 90 days for all captured footage

Scheduled Testimony

The following organizations have registered to provide testimony:

In support:

• Metro Police Department

• Metro City Business Alliance

• Nexus Corporation

• Citizens for Public Safety (advocacy group)

In opposition:

• American Civil Liberties Union, Metro Chapter

• Digital Rights Foundation

• Metro Privacy Coalition

• Metro Police Officers Union (concerns about implementation)

Arguments For

Council member Hayes stated: "Recent events have demonstrated that our current surveillance capabilities are insufficient to protect public safety. This investment will close critical gaps in our security infrastructure."

Metro Police Chief Martinez has publicly endorsed the proposal, citing the need for "enhanced situational awareness" in responding to cyber-threats.

Arguments Against

Council member Diana Reyes has announced she will vote against the measure: "Expanding surveillance in response to surveillance failures is circular logic. We need better cybersecurity, not more cameras that can be hacked."

The ACLU's written submission states: "This proposal represents an unprecedented expansion of mass surveillance with minimal public input and inadequate privacy protections."

The Police Officers Union, while supporting enhanced security, has raised concerns about the 90-day implementation timeline, calling it "unrealistic" and potentially leading to "poorly planned deployment."

Public Comment

Written comments may be submitted through March 21 at metro.gov/council. The public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Residents wishing to speak must register by 5:00 PM on March 18.

Full resolution text available at metro.gov/legislation/2045-187.