this post was submitted on 24 Jul 2026
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295
Flock Safety CEO speaks out after LAPD suspends use of company's surveillance cameras (abc7.com)
submitted 2 days ago by fubarx@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] aramis87@fedia.io 126 points 2 days ago (4 children)

"We've got to tighten up the policy and make sure everyone is aligned and then turn [the Los Angeles camera system] back on," [Flock co-founder and CEO Garrett] Langley said.

Sucks to be you, then, doesn't it.

"The technology is really simple," he told ABC7. "A car drives by, we take a picture. It's a static picture of a car, and then we read the license plate. That's what the technology is -- it's actually not that complicated, it's pretty simple."

Sure. Just the license plate. Which is why the ACLU says that you collect "make, model and color of a car, other identifiers like scratches and dents, and anything else they can see." It can include items "such as trailers, toolboxes, bumper stickers, or bike racks." That's why your cameras have audio detection hardware. That's why your cameras are on biking trails, where no cars will be found.

Then using data analysis like that in Finding Paul Revere reveals a bunch of information about your habits, your friendships, and your associations. But, sure, you have nothing to lose :/

[–] OhNoMoreLemmy@lemmy.ml 66 points 2 days ago

Oh it's much worse than that. 

https://www.404media.co/how-cops-use-flock-to-track-people-not-cars/

Cops have used Flock's FreeForm search feature to look for people with tattoos and wearing specific sport shirts, and searches sometimes include the target's race, according to data reviewed by 404 Media.

[–] takeda@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 day ago

They also track faces and can even report gender and race if their customer thinks that's useful information.

[–] ParlimentOfDoom@piefed.zip 14 points 1 day ago

Didn't forget Bluetooth detection for device id tracking, as well as facial recognition for all that warrantless personal surveillance

[–] Sineljora@sh.itjust.works 6 points 2 days ago

They have these pointed at children’s gyms. Eat Garrett Langley alive.