Detecting Surveillance Cameras with the ESP32
7 hours ago
- #technology
- #privacy
- #surveillance
- Surveillance cameras are increasingly common and use advanced algorithms for facial recognition and license plate scanning.
- The Flock You project aims to detect and catalog surveillance cameras, particularly those from Flock Safety, using an ESP32 microcontroller.
- The device identifies cameras by analyzing Wi-Fi probe requests, beacon frames, and Bluetooth advertisements, notifying users with a buzzer.
- DeFlock.me provides a global map of ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition) camera locations, allowing users to submit findings.
- Flock cameras may use Wi-Fi for setup and BLE for battery health monitoring, with potential future use for BLE-based movement tracking.
- Flock cameras are identifiable by solar panels or tow-behind designs, and some users employ smartphone apps like Wigle WiFi for detection.
- Privacy concerns are raised over the extensive tracking capabilities of ALPR cameras, with reports of FedEx installing them on trucks.
- Reflective paint and infrared detection methods are discussed as potential ways to trick or identify surveillance cameras.
- Legal and ethical debates surround ALPR use, with some countries restricting private entities from external surveillance.
- Traffic safety data comparisons between countries highlight differing approaches to vehicle regulation and enforcement.