THE EYE IN THE SKY HAS A SUGAR DADDY
NEVADA - Las Vegas is known for its cameras. But while casino surveillance systems operate under gaming regulations, the expanding police surveillance network raises a different question: Who is watching the people watching us?
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department increasingly relies on drones, automated license plate readers, facial recognition, and artificial intelligence to monitor public spaces and analyze information. Billionaire venture capitalist Ben Horowitz and his family foundation have funded some of that technology, donating millions of dollars to Las Vegas police. Horowitz’s investment firm has also invested in Skydio, the company behind Metro’s drones. Horowitz and his wife have also contributed $1 million to Better Nevada PAC, which supports Lombardo’s reelection. The contributions raise important questions about the intersection of political money, public accountability, and the growing role of wealthy private donors, especially as Nevada lawmakers prepare to consider new rules for automated license plate readers.
The full episode is available on YouTube.
Daniel Howat, Creative Lead with Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:
“Surveillance technology is advancing faster than the laws meant to protect the people being watched. When billionaires help fund the tools police use to track our movements, Nevadans deserve to know who can access that information, how long they keep it, and what prevents abuse. This isn’t just about whether the technology can solve crimes. It’s about whether the public has any real say in how it’s used. If the casino cameras have rules, why shouldn’t the cameras watching the rest of us?”
ABOUT Battle Born Bytes: Battle Born Bytes is a digital media series produced by Battle Born Progress focused on breaking down complex political, economic, and policy issues affecting Nevadans through accessible, research-driven video explainers.
SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH
###
About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.
Comments