Solvang, known as the “Danish Capital of America,” is re-evaluating its controversial decision to implement AI-enabled surveillance cameras for monitoring both residents and visitors.
In July 2025, the Solvang City Council had agreed to a three-year contract with XIT Solutions to install Verkada cameras at key locations, such as Solvang City Hall, Solvang Park (near public restrooms), and along Alisal Road.
However, due to increasing public apprehension regarding surveillance technologies like those from Verkada and Flock Safety, officials are now set to reassess their use of these AI cameras.
At a City Council meeting on September 14, Councilmember Elizabeth Orona noted, “We approved the installation with XIT Solutions, but we didn’t really delve into understanding what the camera technology does, how the data is stored, who accesses it, and how that access is controlled.”
She pointed out some serious concerns surrounding security, stating, “The camera company has been hacked, and their super admin credentials have been compromised.”
Orona’s push for a policy review comes as the city intends to adopt more AI technologies, including facial and license plate recognition systems.
She expressed concern over the lack of regulation in California regarding facial recognition technology, emphasizing that governing access to this data is critical to balancing public expectations of privacy with how the city manages this content.
In a related development, just one day after Solvang’s meeting, the Santa Barbara City Council also decided to halt its plans to partner with Verkada, pending a thorough examination of its own license plate reader policy.
