EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Aug 6·5 min read
Cities Are Ditching Flock, Replacing It with Axon License Plate Readers
TL;DR
Several U.S. cities are replacing Flock's automatic license plate readers with Axon's systems, driven by concerns over Flock's associations and performance issues. This shift indicates a trend towards alternative ALPR solutions amid growing scrutiny of surveillance technologies.
✦ Why It Matters
Evaluate your city's current surveillance contracts and consider advocating for transparency and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Investigate local contracts with ALPR vendors for transparency.
- Engage in community discussions about surveillance technology.
- Advocate for policies limiting data sharing to local jurisdictions.
- Monitor the performance and privacy implications of new systems.
Full Summary
Cities like Syracuse, Denver, and Grand Chute are transitioning from Flock's automatic license plate readers (ALPR) to Axon's offerings, which include AI-powered cameras that blend into urban environments. This change is partly due to Flock's controversial ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and concerns over data privacy.
Axon's systems lack a national lookup feature, limiting data sharing to local jurisdictions, which some cities view as a positive change. For instance, Denver's council noted that Axon's lack of a national network prevents broader data access, addressing privacy concerns.
However, the fundamental issues surrounding ALPR technology remain, as both systems continuously scan vehicles regardless of vendor. The trend suggests a shift in how cities approach surveillance technology, opting for alternatives that may face less public scrutiny.