The city I work in installed Flock cameras. City Council was clear they were only to be used to flag license plates for active felony warrants, silver alerts, and Amber alerts.
In less than 48 hours they were using them to give out tickets and track people who had turned in Open Records requests regarding the police department.
Neat map that compiles how many weekly contributions are made around the US to the deflock map
I feel that this should be the biggest issue in US national news. And although I do not consume much main stream news I have only ever seen blogs and small circulation articles on the issue. Like how can any one on either aide of the political divide be ok with shit?
These also have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. I'm convinced that they also connect mac addresses of your devices to determine who is driving. I also suspect that they use facial recognition when possible.
so much for the fourth amendment
I'm so glad this is slowly getting more solid traction. For more viewing and reading pleasures on the topic,
Videos:
Breaking The Creepy AI in Police Cameras - Benn Jordan
Breaks down the technology and deployment of the systems. Builds his own and shows strategies to beat the analysis of your data.
Austin City Council is playing games & I've had enough. - Louis Rossmann
Liveview's facial recognition discussed in person with sales director.
Citizens address Austin Mayor on AI Surveillence cameras; AS EXPECTED on September 25th part 1
Louis Rossmann attempted to address the surveillance systems in his local town, couple of other videos on his channel showing the hurdles and bureaucracy that's making it harder to address these situations.
Everyone Should Ask Their City Council About This... - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder
Another video detailing ALRP's (automatic license plate readers/flock safety systems) and their uses in local and interstate areas
EFF Members' Speakeasy: Police Surveillance and ALPR - The Electronic Frontier Foundation
Articles:
Data Driven: What Is ALPR? - The Electronic Frontier Foundation
Lots of articles listed in here, one of the major groups trying to spread information on these programs.
There's a few in a town nearby, owned by the city, looking at a roadway. Then there's three, with no owner information, all looking into a Lowe's parking lot.
I found this to be the most interesting part:
You might think this sounds like it violates the Fourth Amendment, which protects American citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures without probable cause. Well, so does the American Civil Liberties Union. Norfolk, Virginia Judge Jamilah LeCruise also agrees, and in 2024 she ruled that plate-reader data obtained without a search warrant couldn't be used against a defendant in a robbery case.
Last time I read about this issue was before this happened. Finally the ball is bouncing back a little. Hope to see more of it.
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