San Antonio deserves clear rules for public surveillance technology.
The San Antonio Privacy Project monitors how local government acquires and uses surveillance tools — and advocates for policies that protect civil liberties while keeping communities safe.
Transparency, accountability, and practical safeguards for surveillance technology.
The San Antonio Privacy Project promotes public participation in decisions about government surveillance. We believe residents have a right to know what technologies are used in their name — and to have a meaningful say in how those tools are governed. Our work focuses on four pillars:
Transparency
We track when and how surveillance technologies are proposed, purchased, and deployed in San Antonio.
Accountability
We highlight opportunities for residents to ask questions, raise concerns, and shape local policy decisions.
Data Security
We examine how surveillance data is stored, who can access it, and what protections are in place to reduce misuse.
Public Safety
We encourage evidence-based rules that support safety goals while respecting civil rights and community priorities.
Surveillance without boundaries is not safety.
Privacy
Unchecked surveillance chills free expression and erodes the trust between residents and their government.
Public Accountability
When agencies acquire technology without public input, there is no way to evaluate whether it works or whether it’s being used appropriately.
Data Security
Personal data collected by surveillance systems can be breached, misused, or shared without residents’ knowledge.
Effective Public Safety
Evidence-based policies and clear rules make surveillance more effective, not less — by ensuring tools are used for their stated purpose.
Focus
Our current campaign calls on the City of San Antonio to adopt a comprehensive surveillance technology ordinance. We are advocating for:
- Public notice before acquiring new surveillance technology
- Clear use policies limiting how each tool can be deployed
- Data retention limits to minimize unnecessary storage of personal information
- Access controls governing who can query surveillance data and under what conditions
- Regular audits to verify compliance with adopted policies
- Public reporting so residents can evaluate whether the technology is achieving its stated purpose
These are common-sense safeguards already adopted in cities across the country.
Research, Records, and Updates
Latest Research
Our analysis of surveillance technology procurement in Bexar County. Coming soon.
Featured Public Record
Public records obtained from the City of San Antonio related to surveillance acquisitions. Coming soon.
Project Update
Follow our progress as we engage with city officials, community groups, and the public.
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive updates on our research, public records, and campaign milestones. We send occasional emails — no spam, no sharing your address.
Your email address is used only to send you project updates. We do not sell or share subscriber information.
The San Antonio Privacy Project is an independent, nonpartisan initiative. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or funded by the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Police Department, or any government agency.
Community-driven. Evidence-based. Accountable to the public.
San Antonio Privacy Project 