Why the Flock Backlash Has Gotten So Intense
The sudden anger about these cameras seems to reflect more than just wariness about the surveillance system.
TL;DR
- Flock Safety's ALPR network feeds vehicle data into an AI system, aiding law enforcement in tracking movements.
- Recent backlash includes cities canceling contracts and individuals vandalizing cameras.
- Critics include figures from both the right and left, with defenders from various political viewpoints.
- Politicians are responding, with Florida revoking permits for ALPRs on state roads and Texas halting state funding for Flock.
- Anger is attributed to general surveillance fatigue, government spending on technology during economic worry, and alleged police misuse of the system for stalking.
- The effectiveness of Flock is not in doubt, but concerns remain about privacy implications, especially as crime rates are dropping.
- A decline in crime makes the public less amenable to sacrificing privacy for perceived security.