Commissioners address gaming exploitation concerns and revisit automated license plate readers

The Austin Technology Commission convened on July 9, 2025, to address several pressing issues related to technology and public policy. The meeting commenced with a quorum established, allowing for a productive session.

The first agenda item featured a citizen speaker, Michael Moss, who raised concerns regarding behavioral exploitation in gaming. Moss highlighted the use of skill-based matchmaking and engagement-optimized systems that, while appearing fair, often manipulate player behavior through algorithmic conditioning. He urged the commission to investigate these practices for potential violations of digital ethics and consumer fairness, particularly for vulnerable populations. Moss called for oversight protocols to audit matchmaking algorithms and enhance public awareness about consent and algorithmic transparency.

Following Moss's testimony, the commission moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting held on June 11. After a brief review, the minutes were unanimously approved without amendments.

The next item on the agenda was a presentation by Kevin Welch, president of EFF Austin, regarding the city's automated license plate reader (ALPR) pilot program. Welch discussed the recent public outcry against the program, which led to its non-renewal after significant advocacy from various citizen groups. He noted that there is ongoing interest from city officials to revisit the program before the year's end, indicating that discussions surrounding ALPR technology are far from over. Welch aimed to educate the commission on the implications of this technology and the perspectives of citizen advocacy groups.

The meeting concluded with a clear understanding of the community's concerns regarding technology's impact on privacy and ethics, as well as the commission's role in addressing these issues. The commission plans to continue monitoring developments related to both gaming practices and the ALPR program, ensuring that public interests are prioritized in future discussions.