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the Guardian·

🚨Privacy Activists Smash Flock Cameras in 23 States

Vigilantes are taking down surveillance cameras by the dozen

TL;DR

Privacy activists have been disabling and destroying Flock surveillance cameras across 23 states. At least 33 instances of vandalism have occurred, with some using creative tactics like paint bombing and planting flags.

Privacy activists are taking matters into their own hands by disabling or destroying Flock surveillance cameras in at least 23 US states. Since June, these vigilantes have used a variety of methods, including smashing, obstructing, and even painting the devices. The company claims its Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems aren't mass surveillance tools but can help stop crime by alerting officers to suspicious vehicles. However, Flock's $8.4 billion valuation hasn't stopped activists from seeing these cameras as a threat to privacy. At least one person has been charged with destruction of property for allegedly damaging more than a dozen cameras.

Privacy Activists Smash Flock Cameras in 23 States — the Guardian

Key Points

1

At least 33 instances of vandalism have been identified in 23 states since June

2

Flock's ALPR systems scan license plates billions of times monthly across nearly every state

3

The company says its cameras help stop crime by alerting officers to suspicious vehicles

4

$8.4 billion valuation hasn't stopped activists from seeing these cameras as a threat

5

At least one person charged with destruction of property for damaging more than 13 Flock cameras

Why It Matters

If you're concerned about privacy and surveillance, this is a big deal. Activists are taking direct action against what they see as invasive technology. Cities like New Mexico have already shut down Flock cameras amid these concerns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're concerned about privacy and surveillance, this is a big deal. Activists are taking direct action against what they see as invasive technology. Cities like New Mexico have already shut down Flock cameras amid these concerns.

What happened?

Privacy activists have been disabling and destroying Flock surveillance cameras across 23 states. At least 33 instances of vandalism have occurred, with some using creative tactics like paint bombing and planting flags.

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