San Francisco police surveillance privacy controversy

A controversy has emerged regarding the use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers in San Francisco, centered on the involvement of cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen.

Initially, a coalition of over 20 activist groups, including climate and immigrant rights organizers, targeted Larsen’s San Francisco residence. Protesters used dummy cameras and signs to criticize his financial support for surveillance technology, questioning its effectiveness in crime reduction and its role in mass surveillance.

Following these demonstrations, Larsen addressed the issue by expressing concerns over data privacy management within the city. While he remains a major donor to the San Francisco Police Department’s Real-Time Investigation Center, he noted that the city’s one-year data retention period for Flock information significantly exceeds the 30-day industry average. Larsen has advocated for improved technological safeguards, such as censoring private areas like backyards from surveillance footage, in response to reports of technology misuse and improper law enforcement searches.