Kate Kaye
@katekaye.bsky.social
Personal account. Researching algorithmic & surveillance tech in Portland, OR at RedtailMedia.org. '25-'26 OSU fellow. 25 yrs as a journo reporting on data use, AI, etc. Music nerd, forest walker, raptor watcher and fan of the NY Mets. KEEPIN THAT PMA.
Pinned
Kate Kaye
@katekaye.bsky.social
· Dec 28
Imagining Meaningful Surveillance Tech Policy Implementation Through Real-World Research | TechPolicy.Press
Investigative research and analysis of the use of police surveillance technologies is necessary to ensure government tech accountability, says Kate Kaye.
www.techpolicy.press
As of 12.28.2025, this account is a personal account. All posts here are made in a personal capacity w no connection to my employer.
Why? My personal work resonates here.
This @techpolicypress.bsky.social article describes why I research Portland government algorithmic & surveillance tech use:
Why? My personal work resonates here.
This @techpolicypress.bsky.social article describes why I research Portland government algorithmic & surveillance tech use:
And they say it's advertisers who create a false sense of vanity and insecurity.
January 29, 2026 at 1:49 PM
And they say it's advertisers who create a false sense of vanity and insecurity.
-Submit written comments and/or sign up to give testimony this Thursday Jan 29 about a new Portland City Data and Privacy Office (link below)
-Submit comment about Portland's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy under review: www.portland.gov/police/direc...
-Submit comment about Portland's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy under review: www.portland.gov/police/direc...
January 28-29, 2026 Council Agenda
www.portland.gov
January 25, 2026 at 7:36 PM
-Submit written comments and/or sign up to give testimony this Thursday Jan 29 about a new Portland City Data and Privacy Office (link below)
-Submit comment about Portland's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy under review: www.portland.gov/police/direc...
-Submit comment about Portland's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy under review: www.portland.gov/police/direc...
Portlanders: Here are two ways to have a say in our city government's tech & data use:
-Write now or give verbal comments on Thurs Jan 29 on establishment of a City Data & Privacy Office
-By Feb 14, comment on the police Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy in review.
Links in my comment
-Write now or give verbal comments on Thurs Jan 29 on establishment of a City Data & Privacy Office
-By Feb 14, comment on the police Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy in review.
Links in my comment
January 25, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Portlanders: Here are two ways to have a say in our city government's tech & data use:
-Write now or give verbal comments on Thurs Jan 29 on establishment of a City Data & Privacy Office
-By Feb 14, comment on the police Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy in review.
Links in my comment
-Write now or give verbal comments on Thurs Jan 29 on establishment of a City Data & Privacy Office
-By Feb 14, comment on the police Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy in review.
Links in my comment
I'm a loomer: extremely critical of the guy's uniform leather jacket as a shallow and highly questionable signal of cool.
for anyone who doesn't know: in the context of ai, "doomers" are people who think ai is dangerous because it might be *too powerful and smart* and are worried about imaginary dangers
this is distinct from people who think it's washed up overhyped crap and are worried about *current actual harms*
this is distinct from people who think it's washed up overhyped crap and are worried about *current actual harms*
Calling all the PhDs I know to make monumental annoyances of themselves (and honestly, who better)
January 22, 2026 at 4:46 PM
I'm a loomer: extremely critical of the guy's uniform leather jacket as a shallow and highly questionable signal of cool.
Thinking about use of game theory in relation to trust measures including persistent use of "Prisoner's Dilemma" game. Here's the original version, developed at the Rand Corp. and distributed at a 1950 math nerd Stanford event. Use of "PD" lives on including in AI-related 'trust' measurement today.
January 18, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Thinking about use of game theory in relation to trust measures including persistent use of "Prisoner's Dilemma" game. Here's the original version, developed at the Rand Corp. and distributed at a 1950 math nerd Stanford event. Use of "PD" lives on including in AI-related 'trust' measurement today.
Through Feb 14, Portland is accepting comments from anyone on the police bureau's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy directive, now under second review.
This is a great opportunity to engage in local government's public rulemaking process related to surveillance tech use!
This is a great opportunity to engage in local government's public rulemaking process related to surveillance tech use!
Second Universal Review and Public Comment Period
www.portland.gov
January 18, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Through Feb 14, Portland is accepting comments from anyone on the police bureau's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy directive, now under second review.
This is a great opportunity to engage in local government's public rulemaking process related to surveillance tech use!
This is a great opportunity to engage in local government's public rulemaking process related to surveillance tech use!
From @markstenberg.bsky.social @adweek.bsky.social On Background newsletter about "the implications of publishers signing partnership deals with prediction markets, the quasi-legal platforms that enable users to place wagers" - preferences.adweek.com/on-backgroun...
January 15, 2026 at 2:50 PM
From @markstenberg.bsky.social @adweek.bsky.social On Background newsletter about "the implications of publishers signing partnership deals with prediction markets, the quasi-legal platforms that enable users to place wagers" - preferences.adweek.com/on-backgroun...
Happy Thursday, everyone. Now, groove.
The Lijadu Sisters "Erora" (Horizon Unlimited, 1979)
YouTube video by The Lijadu Sisters
www.youtube.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Happy Thursday, everyone. Now, groove.
Just heard the next comment period in the review process for Portland police's Automated License Plate Reader policy should happen next month. Here's a recap of comments I submitted for the first round including to highlight applicable Portland policy related to use of ALPRs:
Can Portland Police Improve Their Surveillance Tech Policy for Automatic License Plate Readers?
Portland Police Bureau’s Automatic License Plate Reader policy is in review. Can its approach to data use and privacy improve?
redtailmedia.org
January 14, 2026 at 2:57 AM
Just heard the next comment period in the review process for Portland police's Automated License Plate Reader policy should happen next month. Here's a recap of comments I submitted for the first round including to highlight applicable Portland policy related to use of ALPRs:
2/2 I've delved into a wide array of approaches to measuring trust & trustworthiness over several months on my personal time as part of an @oregonstate.edu fellowship on Trust in the Age of Gen AI. The history is long and fascinating, and what's happening today might surprise you. Stay tuned!
Trust in the Age of Generative AI | PRAx
prax.oregonstate.edu
January 11, 2026 at 3:44 PM
2/2 I've delved into a wide array of approaches to measuring trust & trustworthiness over several months on my personal time as part of an @oregonstate.edu fellowship on Trust in the Age of Gen AI. The history is long and fascinating, and what's happening today might surprise you. Stay tuned!
1/2 Since I began to learn about the metrics used to gauge aspects of AI systems like fairness, I've been more and more intrigued by the idea of measurement in general & its almost inevitable flaws & misconceptions. Just learned there are discrepancies with how we measure vehicle speed, for example:
Don't Trust Your Car's Speedometer
It's not just that speedometers are sometimes wrong. Based on how they work, it's almost impossible for them to ever be right.
www.roadandtrack.com
January 11, 2026 at 3:44 PM
1/2 Since I began to learn about the metrics used to gauge aspects of AI systems like fairness, I've been more and more intrigued by the idea of measurement in general & its almost inevitable flaws & misconceptions. Just learned there are discrepancies with how we measure vehicle speed, for example:
Just finally downloaded a camera app that uses zero AI and annoying processing for my iPhone. I’ve had a lot of great moments killed by really shitty processing that blurs images.
“Innovation”!
“Innovation”!
January 8, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Just finally downloaded a camera app that uses zero AI and annoying processing for my iPhone. I’ve had a lot of great moments killed by really shitty processing that blurs images.
“Innovation”!
“Innovation”!
Words mean something. When terms like "citizen scientist" or "citizen journalist" are used, they are typically describing "non professionals" or "amateurs" performing the acts of science or journalism. Are professionals not citizens? Why is this a relevant description?
January 7, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Words mean something. When terms like "citizen scientist" or "citizen journalist" are used, they are typically describing "non professionals" or "amateurs" performing the acts of science or journalism. Are professionals not citizens? Why is this a relevant description?
In this story I reported the algorithmic pricing software vendor "may charge a 7% cut of bill payments it helps Portland Water Bureau collect." I was able to confirm this in my followup story.
Indeed, the bureau is paying the vendor using a typical debt collector-style contingency fee model.
Indeed, the bureau is paying the vendor using a typical debt collector-style contingency fee model.
“Concern” at Portland Water Bureau over Future of Algorithmic Billing Program
PWB representatives question whether the program or its debt collector style approach to paying the software vendor will continue. And now, they say they won’t allow the algorithmic system to…
redtailmedia.org
January 1, 2026 at 7:18 PM
In this story I reported the algorithmic pricing software vendor "may charge a 7% cut of bill payments it helps Portland Water Bureau collect." I was able to confirm this in my followup story.
Indeed, the bureau is paying the vendor using a typical debt collector-style contingency fee model.
Indeed, the bureau is paying the vendor using a typical debt collector-style contingency fee model.
A year ago the FTC discussed its study of "the shadowy market that 3rd-party intermediaries use to set individualized prices for products and services based on consumers’ characteristics and behaviors, like location, demographics, browsing patterns and shopping history" - aka surveillance pricing.
FTC Surveillance Pricing Study Indicates Wide Range of Personal Data Used to Set Individualized Consumer Prices
The Federal Trade Commission’s initial findings from its surveillance pricing market study revealed that details like a person’s precise location or browser history can be frequently used to target
www.ftc.gov
January 1, 2026 at 7:15 PM
A year ago the FTC discussed its study of "the shadowy market that 3rd-party intermediaries use to set individualized prices for products and services based on consumers’ characteristics and behaviors, like location, demographics, browsing patterns and shopping history" - aka surveillance pricing.
In my reporting I have not employed the term "surveillance pricing." But I do think some would consider use of a third-party machine learning-based system to set individualized utility bill discounts based on personal information to be in this category.
January 1, 2026 at 7:15 PM
In my reporting I have not employed the term "surveillance pricing." But I do think some would consider use of a third-party machine learning-based system to set individualized utility bill discounts based on personal information to be in this category.
My first story detailed the project's (murky) background (a corporate software sales algo?), how it works & the data it uses.
I also exposed an unknown relationship with one of the world's largest data brokers in an attempt to circumvent use of income data to determine discount eligibility.
I also exposed an unknown relationship with one of the world's largest data brokers in an attempt to circumvent use of income data to determine discount eligibility.
Leaving Money on the Table: Inside Portland Water Bureau’s Algorithmic Pricing Program
Portland is testing a machine learning algorithm for water bill pricing that promises both affordability and higher revenues. Here’s the first in-depth analysis of the program and the tech be…
redtailmedia.org
January 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM
My first story detailed the project's (murky) background (a corporate software sales algo?), how it works & the data it uses.
I also exposed an unknown relationship with one of the world's largest data brokers in an attempt to circumvent use of income data to determine discount eligibility.
I also exposed an unknown relationship with one of the world's largest data brokers in an attempt to circumvent use of income data to determine discount eligibility.
The water bureau in Portland is testing an algorithmic pricing system for personalizing bill discounts. Far as I know, I'm the only independent researcher digging into it.
The bureau sent a letter to city council addressing privacy & algorithmic impact issues I raised in my initial reporting.
The bureau sent a letter to city council addressing privacy & algorithmic impact issues I raised in my initial reporting.
“Concern” at Portland Water Bureau over Future of Algorithmic Billing Program
PWB representatives question whether the program or its debt collector style approach to paying the software vendor will continue. And now, they say they won’t allow the algorithmic system to…
redtailmedia.org
January 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM
The water bureau in Portland is testing an algorithmic pricing system for personalizing bill discounts. Far as I know, I'm the only independent researcher digging into it.
The bureau sent a letter to city council addressing privacy & algorithmic impact issues I raised in my initial reporting.
The bureau sent a letter to city council addressing privacy & algorithmic impact issues I raised in my initial reporting.
As of 12.28.2025, this account is a personal account. All posts here are made in a personal capacity w no connection to my employer.
Why? My personal work resonates here.
This @techpolicypress.bsky.social article describes why I research Portland government algorithmic & surveillance tech use:
Why? My personal work resonates here.
This @techpolicypress.bsky.social article describes why I research Portland government algorithmic & surveillance tech use:
Imagining Meaningful Surveillance Tech Policy Implementation Through Real-World Research | TechPolicy.Press
Investigative research and analysis of the use of police surveillance technologies is necessary to ensure government tech accountability, says Kate Kaye.
www.techpolicy.press
December 28, 2025 at 4:25 PM
As of 12.28.2025, this account is a personal account. All posts here are made in a personal capacity w no connection to my employer.
Why? My personal work resonates here.
This @techpolicypress.bsky.social article describes why I research Portland government algorithmic & surveillance tech use:
Why? My personal work resonates here.
This @techpolicypress.bsky.social article describes why I research Portland government algorithmic & surveillance tech use:
I see stories about this sort of thing in local publications.
December 28, 2025 at 4:48 AM
I see stories about this sort of thing in local publications.
Great way to spend my holiday break
December 27, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Great way to spend my holiday break
My grandpa and me and my new pal Big Bird, Christmas 1974. Merry Christmas everyone!
December 25, 2025 at 2:04 AM
My grandpa and me and my new pal Big Bird, Christmas 1974. Merry Christmas everyone!
Also this is much better than the 'is a hot dog a sandwich' debate.
December 24, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Also this is much better than the 'is a hot dog a sandwich' debate.
I love this debate and will ponder while watching Rudolph as a sentimental Christmas Eve treat tonight. I would have adored a stuffed lion with wings as a kid. My first winged fave was Ray Harryhausen's Bubo from the Clash of the Titans flick, a regular 'afternoon movie' in the '80s!
December 24, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I love this debate and will ponder while watching Rudolph as a sentimental Christmas Eve treat tonight. I would have adored a stuffed lion with wings as a kid. My first winged fave was Ray Harryhausen's Bubo from the Clash of the Titans flick, a regular 'afternoon movie' in the '80s!