Etiido Uko writes that Canadian software engineer Anthony Sistilli built a custom ALPR camera to exclusively track police vehicles, inverting the mass surveillance tactics used by companies like Flock Safety. Two days after sharing the device online, police officers from Peel Regional Police visited his home in Brampton, Ontario, to express concerns that tracking officer movements could put them at personal risk. Sistilli pointed out the irony of law enforcement citing citizen privacy objections to defend their own blanket surveillance practices.
- Officers acknowledged that restricting police tracking might compromise active investigations
- Flock Safety now operates over 120,000 cameras across 49 US states
- Hackers extracted 27,000 clips and 1.6 million images from a stolen Flock camera in 21 days
- Several US municipalities have suspended or canceled Flock contracts following public backlash
- Officers acknowledged that restricting police tracking might compromise active investigations
- Flock Safety now operates over 120,000 cameras across 49 US states
- Hackers extracted 27,000 clips and 1.6 million images from a stolen Flock camera in 21 days
- Several US municipalities have suspended or canceled Flock contracts following public backlash
The East Palo Alto City Council has upheld a three-year contract with surveillance company Flock for automated license plate readers, despite recommendations from city staff and police to adopt shorter terms. The decision comes amid significant community opposition regarding data privacy, potential immigration enforcement implications, and the lack of an early cancellation clause without financial penalty.
Key points:
* Council rejected a recommendation for a one-year contract intended to ensure financial autonomy.
* Flock representatives reportedly withdrew the option to cancel the three-year agreement without paying the full remainder.
* Local residents and advocates expressed concerns over data security and unauthorized information sharing with outside agencies.
* Police leadership maintains the technology is vital for solving crimes amid staffing shortages.
Key points:
* Council rejected a recommendation for a one-year contract intended to ensure financial autonomy.
* Flock representatives reportedly withdrew the option to cancel the three-year agreement without paying the full remainder.
* Local residents and advocates expressed concerns over data security and unauthorized information sharing with outside agencies.
* Police leadership maintains the technology is vital for solving crimes amid staffing shortages.
