Americans Back Targeted AI Surveillance, Reject Broad Tracking as 94% Expect Cameras to Solve Crimes
Updated
Updated · KSL.com · Jun 14
Americans Back Targeted AI Surveillance, Reject Broad Tracking as 94% Expect Cameras to Solve Crimes
1 articles · Updated · KSL.com · Jun 14
Summary
A Harris Poll survey of 2,089 U.S. adults found Americans largely support AI surveillance when it is aimed at active threats or known offenders, not routine monitoring of the public.
Ninety-four percent said they would expect nearby security cameras to help or fully solve a crime in a public space, while 60% backed AI cameras detecting suspicious behavior and 59% supported using them to find missing children or lost pets.
Support drops sharply for automated identification: 63% said facial-recognition cameras tracking people at protests, town halls or political rallies would concern them, including 72% of Democrats and 55% of Republicans.
The report from Utah-based LiveView Technologies argues the public draws a clear line between targeted public-safety tools and indiscriminate surveillance, a debate already sharpened by expanding license-plate reader and camera networks.
As AI surveillance becomes more powerful, who holds the power to control it?
How can AI stop criminals without turning public spaces into digital prisons?
AI Surveillance in 2026: Public Trust, Policy Gaps, and the Push for Transparent Safeguards
Overview
As of mid-2026, American public opinion on AI-powered surveillance is nuanced, shaped by the findings of the 2026 Public Safety & Privacy Benchmark study. This research, commissioned by LiveView Technologies and conducted by The Harris Poll, highlights that while many citizens recognize the need for security technologies, their support is conditional on strong privacy protections and transparency. The study aimed to guide security leaders and officials in balancing community safety with public trust. Ultimately, the report shows that effective AI surveillance must be designed with clear boundaries to maintain both safety and the public’s confidence.