Rhode Island Officials Push 'Smart City' Surveillance Network, But Who Benefits?
The Ocean State is quietly installing a network of license plate readers and AI-powered cameras across Providence, funded by a federal grant. Officials claim it will curb crime, but local activists are asking tough questions: the data feeds into a centralized hub accessible to police, private contractors, and—according to leaked documents—a Rhode-based think tank with ties to real estate developers. Skeptics note that surveillance often targets low-income neighborhoods first, while the tech contracts flow to those with political connections. The real story isn't about safety; it's about who profits from your every move.