Tag

Police Surveillance

All articles tagged with #police surveillance

technology-and-privacy2 months ago•2 min saved

Flock Safety mandates stricter audit rules for police after backlash over surveillance abuse

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley announced that mandatory safeguards for its license-plate reader network will take effect by January 1, 2027. These changes include requiring officers to link every search to a specific criminal case number, shortening data retention from 30 days to seven, and making an audit tool that flags abnormal search behavior standard for all law enforcement customers. The move follows intense public backlash and reports of police using the system to stalk individuals, though critics argue the reforms are insufficient to address fundamental privacy risks.

via WRAL|

#data-privacy #flock-safety #law-enforcement

technology2 months ago•1 min saved

Flock Safety Mandates Audit Tools and Shorter Data Retention After Police Misuse Scandal

Flock Safety is enforcing new restrictions on its license-plate reader network after a Washington Post investigation revealed widespread police misuse. The company will now require all customers to enable audit features that flag abnormal search behavior and suspend users pending review. Additionally, default data retention is dropping from 30 days to seven days, and agencies can limit data sharing to specific investigation types. These changes follow reports of over 50 officers abusing the system to stalk ex-partners and track individuals seeking out-of-state abortions. While Flock CEO Garrett Langley apologized for the abuse, critics argue the reforms are insufficient because they still allow agencies to override safeguards and retain data for extended investigations.

via The Guardian|

#data-privacy #flock-safety #law-enforcement-reform

technology2 months ago•19 min saved

Flock Safety Mandates Case-Number Labels and Automated Audits After Police Misuse Report

Flock Safety announced new mandatory controls for its license-plate reader network, requiring officers to link every search to a criminal case number and automatically reviewing all queries for abnormal activity. These changes follow a Washington Post investigation revealing that dozens of officers misused the system to track former partners and romantic interests. The company also plans to shorten data retention periods and give police departments more control over data sharing, marking a significant shift from its previous voluntary oversight model.

via The Washington Post|

#data-privacy #flock-safety #law-enforcement-accountability

crime2 years ago•1 min saved

"Chilean Men Arrested in Irvine for Alleged Role in Organized Burglary Ring"

Three suspects connected to an organized burglary ring were arrested in Irvine after police conducted surveillance and found them in possession of suspected burglary tools. The men, identified as Chilean nationals, were charged with suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary, providing false information to a police officer, and possession of burglary tools. Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent commended the department's work and warned potential criminals against victimizing the community.

via KTLA Los Angeles|

#arrests #burglary-ring #crime

politics2 years ago•4 min saved

"San Francisco Voters Embrace Law-and-Order Measures Amid Crime Surge"

San Francisco voters approved ballot measures to increase police surveillance, allow officers to pursue suspects with drones, and mandate drug screenings for welfare recipients. The city has been grappling with a surge in crime and public disorder, prompting a shift towards tougher law enforcement policies. Mayor London Breed, facing re-election, supported these measures amid challenges from fellow Democrats. The city's descent into lawlessness has led to business departures and record drug overdose deaths, prompting a pivot in law enforcement funding and policies.

via New York Post |

#ballot-measures #crime #mayor-london-breed

politics2 years ago•4 min saved

"Chicago Mayor's Decision on ShotSpotter Contract Raises Questions About Leadership"

Mayor Brandon Johnson expects ShotSpotter to remain in Chicago through September, but has not clarified whether the company has agreed to the contract extension needed to keep the police tool running. While Johnson's administration announced the city's intention to end the use of ShotSpotter in September, some aldermen claim the company rejected a short-term contract extension. The lack of clarity has led to uncertainty about the technology's future in Chicago, with officials and the company refusing to answer questions about its operation after the current contract expires.

via Chicago Tribune|

#chicago #contract-extension #mayor-brandon-johnson

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

Ring Ends Police Access to User Doorbell Videos

Amazon's Ring has announced that it will no longer facilitate police's warrantless requests for footage from Ring users, marking a victory in the fight against blanket police surveillance and the erosion of customer trust. However, concerns remain about police obtaining footage directly from device owners without a warrant, and the need for Ring to do more to protect user privacy, such as implementing default end-to-end encryption and turning off default audio collection. The fight for privacy and to end Ring’s historic ill-effects on society continues, as the mass existence of doorbell cameras poses ongoing threats to civil liberties and exacerbates racial discrimination.

via EFF|

#data-security #law-enforcement #police-surveillance

business3 years ago•1 min saved

China Evergrande's Chairman Under Police Watch, Shares Suspended

Trading in shares of China Evergrande, one of China's largest property developers, has been suspended after reports that its chairman, Hui Ka Yan, has been placed under police surveillance. The company, which has over $300 billion in liabilities, is facing a growing threat of liquidation as it struggles with a debt crisis in China's property sector. Evergrande's restructuring plan is now at risk of failing, and the risks of the company being liquidated are increasing. Trading in its Hong Kong-listed shares and those of its property services and electric vehicle units has been suspended.

via Reuters|

#business #chairman #china-evergrande

politics3 years ago•3 min saved

Cabinet Approves Inquiry into Israeli Police's Use of Spy Tech Despite AG's Concerns

The Israeli cabinet has approved the formation of a committee to investigate the use of spyware technology by law enforcement, despite opposition from the attorney general. The committee will examine the procurement, surveillance, and data collection practices of the police and State Attorney's Office. The inquiry is a response to the recent spyware scandal that revealed the police's use of cellphone hacking technology to access citizens' devices. The committee's findings will help establish regulations for the use of such tools and restore public trust. The attorney general expressed concerns about interference with ongoing cases, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial.

via The Times of Israel|

#attorney-general #committee-inquiry #police-surveillance