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Councilor Sullivan’s proposal to require remote commenters’ cameras draws access and safety concerns
Summary
A proposal filed by Councilor Mike Sullivan to require remote public commenters to have cameras on and tighten identification rules was debated by the Holyoke Committee on Charter and Rules. Members, legal staff and tech staff raised concerns about accessibility, privacy and enforcement; the committee tabled the proposal to seek further legal guidance.
Councilor Mike Sullivan introduced an order asking the city to amend council rules so remote participants making public comment must keep their cameras on while speaking and otherwise strengthen identification rules for remote commenters. "My other concern is also with AI, it could be anybody whereas we have a person standing here, we know who it is," Sullivan said, arguing the change would help ensure the person on the screen is the person making the comment.
The committee’s discussion split along two lines: security/verification and access/privacy. Vice Chair Linda Bacon said the council should know who is…
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