San Jose Launches AI Pilot for Identifying Homeless Encampments

San Jose, California, has launched a unique pilot program where AI is being trained to identify homeless encampments by using cameras mounted on a municipal vehicle to collect street footage. This initiative, believed to be the first in the U.S., aims to detect tents and vehicles serving as homes with the help of technology companies’ algorithms. Participating companies include Ash Sensors, Sensen.AI, Xloop Digital, Blue Dome Technologies and CityRover. Despite potential benefits like identifying city maintenance issues, concerns arise over privacy violations and the potential for misuse against the homeless population. The project, without a definitive end date, seeks to enhance city response to homelessness amidst San Jose’s soaring housing affordability crisis. Critics fear it may lead to increased police involvement rather than addressing underlying housing issues.