Americans Finally Realize License Plate Readers Are Creepy, Survey Suggests
A YouGov survey finds Americans are increasingly uneasy with license plate readers, flipping last year's support - because privacy is apparently a novel concept.
In a stunning display of collective common sense, a new YouGov survey has found that more Americans oppose surveillance cameras from companies like Flock than support them. The survey of 20,000 people across the U.S., shared exclusively with The Washington Post, revealed that 46% of respondents oppose the cameras in their communities, while only 38% support them. That's a reversal from last year, when a majority were in favor. Because who doesn't love having their every move tracked by a private company with questionable oversight?
Flock, the poster child for vehicular surveillance, operates more than 120,000 license plate readers across the U.S., tracking the whereabouts of vehicles with the enthusiasm of a stalker ex. The company's reputation has taken a hit following reports of police abusing the cameras' surveillance, leading dozens of communities to reject or cancel contracts amid privacy concerns. Apparently, people don't appreciate being watched without consent. Shocking.
The survey also found that more respondents said the surveillance wouldn't make them feel any safer. You know, because having a private company log your trips to the grocery store and your ex's house is totally reassuring.
When reached by TechCrunch, Flock claimed there was wide support for its technology, but acknowledged that 'support isn't unconditional,' and touted new safeguards. Critics, including the ACLU, have called these safeguards mere window dressing, insisting Flock remains a major threat to civil liberties. In response to the backlash, Flock CEO Garrett Langley last week called for a 'compromise' between surveillance and privacy, following a rise in vandalism targeting Flock cameras. Nothing says 'let's compromise' like having your cameras smashed.
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