Digital Dignity, Rights, and Privacy

The City of Amarillo proudly reaffirms its commitment to the values of individual liberty, responsible innovation, and public trust through the passage of the Digital Dignity, Rights, and Privacy Ordinance.

This ordinance establishes a comprehensive and forward-looking framework to ensure that Amarillo’s digital policies respect resident rights, promote ethical governance, and foster innovation grounded in transparency and accountability.

Partnership for a Responsible Digital Future

In partnership with Digital Rights House, Amarillo seeks to lead in human-centered technology. This partnership brings additional expertise and capacity to ensure that Amarillo’s approach to digital governance reflects best practices in privacy, equity, and civic engagement.

Guiding Framework: The Amarillo Principles for Dignified Digital Governance

These principles, now formally adopted in City policy, serve as the foundation for every digital system and initiative:

1. Protection of Digital Rights
   The City affirms the digital rights of residents, including the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and equitable access to information. These rights shall be protected in all digital policies and practices.
2. Data Minimalism and Privacy Protection
   The City shall collect only the data necessary to deliver public services effectively and shall ensure that personal information is protected through clear, accessible privacy practices.
3. Human-Centered Technology
   All technological initiatives shall be designed and implemented with the primary goal of serving and enhancing the dignity, well-being, and independence of residents.
4. Balanced Approach to Solutions
   The City shall recognize that not all challenges require digital interventions. When traditional, non-digital methods provide greater simplicity, accessibility, or personal engagement, they shall be preserved and supported as viable alternatives.
5. Resident-Driven Decision-Making and Collaboration
   The City shall provide transparent, inclusive, and respectful opportunities for resident input and feedback to influence digital policies and systems. The City shall actively involve residents in the design, testing, and evaluation of digital solutions to ensure alignment with community values and priorities giving due regard to security protocols and confidentiality in accordance with state and federal law.
6. Transparency and Accountability in Digital Initiatives
   Whenever possible, the City shall maintain publicly accessible documentation of all digital systems and initiatives that interact with personal data. These systems shall be subject to review for efficiency and effectiveness.
7. Universal Accessibility
   All City technologies and digital services shall be designed, when possible, to be accessible to residents, regardless of ability, language, age, or technological proficiency.
8. Promotion of Civil Discourse
   The City shall use digital tools to foster civic engagement and community dialogue supporting a culture of respect, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
9. Empowerment in the Digital Age
   The City may offer educational programs and resources to promote digital competence among residents, recognizing digital literacy as essential to personal agency, family well-being, and participation in civic life.