It was recently revealed that the University of Montana installed over 300 AI-capable cameras from Verkada. These cameras have similar capabilities to Flock cameras, and pose a substantial privacy concern. They installed these cameras without a press release or asking for public comment from students. They have made narrow statements claiming to not use facial recognition technology, but have said nothing about tracking people based on other attributes, such as gait or clothing, or automatic license plate readers tracking the movement of vehicles.

Students have a right to privacy and deserve transparency from the administration. UM should explain clearly what capabilities these cameras do have, which of these capabilities are enabled, and enact publicly accessible policies preventing the use of any AI functionality these cameras offer. They should be transparent about how video and other information are retained. If the AI functionality of these cameras cannot be provably disabled, and information kept secure, they should be removed.

By adding your name, you are saying: I do not support any AI-powered cameras on campus. The University of Montana must earn our trust by adopting policies that prevent any and all AI functionality, or remove the cameras entirely.