Cut the Contract: Zen City

Talking Points from the Free Palestine Coalition

Take action here:  https://linktr.ee/CuttheContractMpls

1. No Tax Dollars for an Israeli surveillance company.

The City of Minneapolis is spending $500,000 in taxpayer money on an Israeli surveillance company instead of investing in real community safety and engagement.

2. Opposing Ties to Surveillance

ZenCity’s founder served in Unit 8200, the Israeli military’s elite intelligence unit responsible for surveillance operations against Palestinians. Internet tracking technology similar to that used to monitor and suppress Palestinians is now being deployed on U.S. citizens. In Minneapolis, ZenCity’s technology is being used to identify survey recipients using algorithms on platforms such as Meta, Google, and X.

3. Minneapolis Should Align With Its Own Values

In February 2024, the Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution supporting a permanent ceasefire and opposing human rights violations. Continuing a contract with an Israeli tech company with roots in Israeli military intelligence contradicts this stance.

4. Minneapolis Residents Did Not Consent to Data Collection

ZenCity uses existing ad networks from Meta, Google, and X to selectively target individuals with surveys about MPD. This means residents’ internet behavior is being used without their knowledge or consent.

5. Minneapolis Should Not Support an Apartheid State

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in January 2024 that it is plausible Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. As long as Israel continues its occupation, the city should not be contracting with companies profiting from this system.

6. This Contract Worsens Community-Police Relations

The Minneapolis Police Department has a long history of racial profiling, misconduct, and excessive force—including the murder of George Floyd. Using an Israeli surveillance company to track public opinion of MPD only increases distrust.

7. AI-Driven Data Collection is Not Neutral

ZenCity filters and interprets data using AI, which is prone to bias and can be used to manipulate narratives about public sentiment. This is not a democratic or transparent way to understand community concerns.

8. The City Should Invest in Real Community Engagement

Instead of contracting with ZenCity, a high-tech Israeli surveillance company, Minneapolis should invest in community-led initiatives that directly engage residents without violating privacy.

9.  If You Use the Internet in Minneapolis, You’re Affected

ZenCity’s technology monitors anyone online in the city, using algorithms to tap into their social media and online behavior. This impacts all residents, not just those taking the survey.

10. Call to Action

The City of Minneapolis must cancel the ZenCity contract immediately and stop spending taxpayer money and public funds on an Israeli surveillance tech company. Instead, the city should invest in ethical, community-driven solutions for public safety and engagement.