👮 Flock Searches for the LOLs | EFFector 38.16

Mass surveillance isn’t a joke. But police are treating it like one when using automated license plate reader (ALPR) networks. In our latest EFFector newsletter, we’re covering a new EFF report on how officers across the country are routinely logging completely nonsensical “reasons” for their Flock searches, including “LOL,” “LMAO,” and even (yuck) “Sexy.”

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For over 35 years, EFFector has been your guide to understanding the intersection of technology, civil liberties, and the law. This issue covers a settlement enshrining Meta’s harmful surveillance into law, states pushing back against ALPR, and how police are turning our privacy into a punchline.

Prefer to listen in? EFFector is now available on all major podcast platforms. This time we’re asking EFF’s Adam Schwartz what has united people against Flock cameras — and how we can make sure that today’s backlash leads to lasting change. You can find the episode and subscribe on your podcast platform of choice:

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