Tariq Yusuf, a tech veteran, was working at Google as a security software engineer when he had a wake-up call about the impact of technology on society. The use of image recognition technology to improve drone strikes made him rethink his views on the tech industry’s role in society. This led him to shift into privacy engineering and start thinking about how technology can be used for good to benefit the community. This ethos is the driving force behind his campaign for Seattle City Council Position 8.
Yusuf, a product of public housing and city social programs, credits these programs with enabling his education at the University of Washington. He is running for City Council to address the cuts to these programs that have forced many people to leave their communities due to affordability issues. He aims to make a positive impact on Seattle and ensure that social services are accessible to all residents, regardless of their economic situation.
Yusuf believes that Seattle underestimates its value to tech companies, leading to missed opportunities for mutual benefit. He supports taxing large companies like Amazon through the JumpStart tax model to fund community investments. He emphasizes the importance of using technology to address city problems such as education, housing, and public safety, applying a user experience approach to drive positive outcomes for residents.
With his background as a privacy engineer, Yusuf advocates for caution in the use of technology for crime-fighting purposes. He believes that addressing underlying social issues such as food security and stable housing is critical for preventing crime. While technology can play a role in enhancing public safety, he encourages a holistic approach that prioritizes community well-being over increased surveillance.
Outside of his campaign, Yusuf is a geek at heart, enjoying video games like “Helldivers” and “Hitman,” as well as participating in motorsports as a race marshal. His diverse interests and background in technology and privacy engineering inform his approach to governance and community engagement. He hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the Seattle City Council and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable city for all residents.
As a Seattle native, Yusuf is passionate about giving back to his community and ensuring that social services remain accessible to those in need. He believes that tech companies can do more to support the local community and advocates for greater investment in social programs. By combining his tech expertise with a user-centered approach to policy-making, Yusuf hopes to address complex city issues and drive meaningful change for Seattle residents.
