TALON, a network of smart, connected security cameras developed by the Atlanta-based startup and installed by law enforcement around the country, rais

National Surveillance Camera Rollout Roils Privacy Activists

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2022-06-22 17:00:10

TALON, a network of smart, connected security cameras developed by the Atlanta-based startup and installed by law enforcement around the country, raises surveillance-related privacy concerns.

While controversy over the potential overreach of neighborhood and law-enforcement video surveillance has focused mainly on Ring, an Atlanta-based startup has quietly rolled out its own network of smart surveillance cameras across the country that is again raising questions of privacy and the ire of some advocating it, according to a published report.

Flock Safety promises to protect neighborhoods with smart cameras with automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology that are sold to homeowners associations, businesses or law enforcement and are designed to automatically read vehicle license plates “up to 75 MPH, day & night, up to 75 ft. away,” according to the company’s website.

Ostensibly, ALPR—which has been around for years but is gaining new momentum thanks to its integration with smart cameras–is aimed at protecting citizens. However, a published report suggests that Flock may be overstretching its wings and has expanded to do much more than merely provide a virtual neighborhood watch.