Pflugerville Approves New Rules for AI and Surveillance Tools

October 28, 2026 - 23:41

The Pflugerville City Council has unanimously approved a new policy governing the use of artificial intelligence, surveillance technology and data privacy across city operations. The measure, called the Secure, Accountable, Fair and Explainable Technology policy, or SAFE, passed at the council's Oct. 27 meeting.

The policy sets standards for how city departments evaluate, purchase and deploy technology that collects or processes data about residents. It requires officials to weigh privacy risks before adopting new tools, to be transparent about what systems are in use, and to give the public a way to raise concerns. Departments will also need to show that any surveillance or AI-driven system has a clear public purpose and includes safeguards against misuse.

Supporters said the framework is meant to keep pace with tools that are becoming more common in local government, from automated license plate readers to software that helps sort and analyze data. The policy also calls for regular review so that rules can be updated as technology changes.

City staff will now work on procedures to carry out the policy, including training for employees and a process for documenting which technologies are approved. Residents can expect more details on how the policy will be applied in the coming months.