Oak Park's Termination of Flock License Plate Reader Contract
On August 5, 2023, the Oak Park Board of Trustees voted to terminate its contract with Flock Safety, effectively shutting down its network of eight license plate reading cameras. This decision, made in light of growing privacy concerns and ongoing investigations into Flock Safety, highlights a significant shift in local governance regarding surveillance technology.
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Congressional Investigation Into Flock Group Inc.
Following investigative reporting by 404 Media, Congress has initiated a formal investigation into Flock Group Inc., a company specializing in automatic license plate readers (ALPR). The focus is on Flock's involvement in surveillance practices that potentially infringe on the privacy and civil liberties of vulnerable populations, including women and immigrants.
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Flock's Surveillance System Controversy in Scarsdale
Flock Safety, a $7.5 billion surveillance technology company, has expanded its reach to over 5,000 communities across 49 states, including Scarsdale, NY. Following a covert decision by the Scarsdale Village Board to adopt a $2.1 million contract with Flock, residents are raising concerns about mass surveillance and lack of public input, igniting a fierce debate over privacy and governmental transparency.
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Students Have Been Called to the Office -- And Even Arrested -- For AI Surveillance False Alarms
Surveillance technology in American schools is increasingly drawing scrutiny as incidents of false alarms lead to severe consequences for students. This article examines the ramifications of AI-driven monitoring systems, particularly focusing on a case involving a Tennessee teenager whose online joke resulted in her arrest, highlighting the broader implications of surveillance, false alerts, and potential abuse of power.
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Bay City License Plate Reader Cameras Proposal on Hold
The Bay City commission has decided to postpone a vote on a proposal to install automatic license plate reader (LPR) cameras, citing the need for further discussion. This decision comes amidst concerns about the implications of the technology, including data security and public interest.
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Surveillance Startup Flock Safety Adds AI to Police Technology
Flock Safety, a surveillance technology company based in Atlanta, announced its plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its products used by U.S. police departments. This development aims to enhance public safety, but it has sparked significant backlash from privacy advocates who argue that such technology could lead to misuse and an erosion of civil liberties.
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Institute for Justice's Reaction to Westchester County Village Ending License Plate Reader Contract
The Institute for Justice (IJ), a public interest law firm, has expressed its approval of the decision made by a Westchester County village to terminate its contract with a license plate reader (LPR) service. This move is seen as a significant step towards protecting civil liberties and addressing concerns about privacy and government surveillance.
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Flock Use by Wisconsin Law Enforcement: Trends and Concerns
The deployment of Flock cameras across Wisconsin has sparked significant debate regarding surveillance practices, privacy rights, and accountability in law enforcement. This extensive network of cameras captures and stores data on vehicle movements, allowing police to access historical information with minimal oversight. An analysis by the Wisconsin Examiner has revealed troubling trends in the use of this technology, raising questions about its implications for civil liberties.
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