Shoplifters could soon be chased down by drones
7 hours ago
- #drones
- #privacy
- #surveillance
- Flock Safety is expanding its drone program from police departments to private businesses for security purposes.
- Private businesses can now use Flock's drones to monitor and track shoplifters, with potential applications in retail, hospitals, and warehouses.
- Drones can be activated via alarm calls and follow suspects, transmitting live video feeds to security teams or police.
- Flock is in talks with large retailers but currently only has one named private-sector customer, Morning Star.
- The FAA is drafting new rules for drone usage, which may impact Flock's operations.
- Police departments have used drones as first responders, but concerns about privacy and overpolicing persist.
- Flock's expansion into private security raises concerns about Fourth Amendment protections and data privacy.
- Critics compare Flock to Meta in terms of surveillance and data monetization, calling the expansion 'scary'.