Dive into the controversial surveillance landscape of New Orleans, where a private nonprofit partners with the police to monitor citizens using facial recognition technology. Explore the ethical dilemmas of such practices, including potential biases and civil liberties concerns. The conversation blends humor with serious critiques, discussing everything from urban militarization to quirky examples like 'sandwich recognition cameras.' As policies evolve, the implications for privacy and community rights are more pressing than ever.
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insights INSIGHT
New Orleans as Policing Testbed
New Orleans serves as a testbed for policing technology after crises like Katrina.
Ongoing crises allow private interests to implement invasive surveillance systems unchecked.
insights INSIGHT
Private Network Bypasses Oversight
Project NOLA operates a private network of thousands of cameras using AI for live facial recognition.
This network bypasses police and public oversight by functioning as a private entity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Brian Lagarde’s Vigilante Role
Brian Lagarde, a former New Orleans police officer, founded Project NOLA in 2009.
He runs a surveillance network and markets himself as a leading crime camera analyst.
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'Too Smart' examines the pervasive influence of digital technology on human cognition and behavior. Jathan Sadowski argues that while technology promises to enhance our intelligence, it often leads to a decline in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The book delves into various aspects of modern life, from education to urban planning, to illustrate how technology shapes our understanding of the world. Sadowski challenges the conventional wisdom that equates technological advancement with progress, urging readers to critically assess the trade-offs involved. He advocates for a more thoughtful and balanced approach to technology, one that prioritizes human flourishing over mere efficiency. 'Too Smart' serves as a cautionary tale about the potential downsides of our increasingly digital lives.
The Palestine Laboratory
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Anthony Lowenstein
We get into a secret partnership between the New Orleans Police Department and Project NOLA, a private nonprofit organisation that owns and operates an extensive network of cameras blanketing New Orleans. For years, Project NOLA has been running live facial recognition through their cameras and sending automated notifications to the police when a match is made using Project NOLA’s privately maintained list of “wanted people.” By going through an unofficial private partner, police have been able to sidestep and undermine legal prohibition on their use of AI technologies like facial recognition. We get into the history of using New Orleans as a testbed for policing technology, the dangerous precedent being set by this public-private relationship, and how this surveillance nightmare is on track to become even more expansive and unleashed thanks to potential policy changes.
••• Police secretly monitored New Orleans with facial recognition cameras https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/19/live-facial-recognition-police-new-orleans/
••• A bad facial recognition match costs Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto's office. See how much https://www.nola.com/news/jefferson_parish/facial-recognition-sheriff/article_3ed262bc-e360-4383-82fb-728b3783cb93.html
••• New Orleans City Council proposed ordinance https://cityofno.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=42&clip_id=5115&meta_id=741682
Standing Plugs:
••• Order Jathan’s new book: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520398078/the-mechanic-and-the-luddite
••• Subscribe to Ed’s substack: https://substack.com/@thetechbubble
••• Subscribe to TMK on patreon for premium episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills
Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (bsky.app/profile/jathansadowski.com) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.x.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (bsky.app/profile/jebr.bsky.social)
This Machine Kills 