Flock, a prominent AI surveillance startup, has been revealed to be using low-paid gig workers in the Philippines to train its artificial intelligence systems. These workers annotate footage from Flock’s automatic license plate readers and facial recognition cameras, categorizing vehicles, transcribing plates, and labeling audio.
This practice mirrors tactics used by other AI companies that have relied on exploited overseas labor. Flock’s technology is deployed in thousands of US communities, often used by local police to create surveillance networks and, in some instances, assist ICE in monitoring minority communities. The article highlights the lack of consent for individuals captured by these systems, raising concerns about privacy and exploitation.