[n2d4]

Genuine question, why does Flock get so much bad press in the US compared to other, much more infringing surveillance tech?

Your mobile provider knows your exact location at any point in time, and the NSA probably has access to most big tech data. Those tell you much more than a license plate reader.

In much of Europe, it is quite normal to see cameras everywhere both for traffic enforcement and for crime prevention. They are generally popular with the public, eg. in the UK with a >80% approval rate. In many cities, essentially every corner has CCTV.

Is it because Flock Safety also markets to private businesses, whereas in Europe CCTV and ANPR are state-run? Or is it a cultural thing, eg. because Americans value freedom or prefer driving over the speed limit, and Flock may end that?

[drnick1]

> Your mobile provider knows your exact location at any point in time, and the NSA probably has access to most big tech data.

I can choose whether to carry a cell phone. I can control what data I share with big tech (very little here since I use free software and self-host everything).

I cannot do anything (that isn't illegal) if some bureaucrat decides to place a camera down my street to identify me or my car anytime I pass nearby.

[Pine_Mushroom]

I think a big part is the name. Like we are the sheep for the shearing.

[n2d4]

Does this question really warrant the downvotes? I'm genuinely curious. Why not just answer it instead?

[pseudalopex]

Please don't comment about the voting on comments. It never does any good, and it makes boring reading.[1]

[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

[patrickmay]

I suspect you're getting downvoted because the phrasing of your question implies that you don't consider this type of surveillance to be a problem.