Malls across the United States are being equipped with AI-powered cameras that are sending footage of visitors’ cars directly to local police, according to emails obtained by Forbes. Simon Property, America’s largest mall owner, has formed an agreement with Flock Safety, a car surveillance company that works with police departments in over 4,000 cities. Simon has decided to limit access to individual properties and share video feeds directly with law enforcement, expanding the surveillance powers of the police without citizens’ knowledge or approval.
Flock’s AI software allows its customers to search for vehicles by license plate, model, color, or other defining features, enabling tracking of people’s movements across the country. While Flock publicly touts its software’s ability to assist in solving crimes, its relationships with private companies like Simon Property were previously undisclosed. The decision to directly hand over camera feeds to law enforcement raises concerns about the infringement on privacy rights and the potential for mass surveillance in American communities.
The emails obtained from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department revealed Simon Property’s collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including the San Diego Police Department. Both agencies had access to Simon’s Flock feeds, which were used to track cars on criminal suspect hotlists. Another major retailer, Lowe’s, was also identified as a customer of Flock Safety but declined to comment on providing camera feeds to law enforcement.
Flock Safety has faced scrutiny for its claims of effectiveness in cutting crime and its rapid revenue growth, which may have been facilitated by operating without the necessary permits. The partnerships between Flock and Simon, as well as Lowe’s, date back to 2022, with reports of successful investigations and crime prevention using Flock technology. Despite concerns about privacy and surveillance, law enforcement officials view the access to private business camera feeds as a valuable tool in crime prevention and investigation.
The installation of Flock cameras in malls like Greenwood Park Mall in Indianapolis has been credited with helping solve crimes and providing valuable evidence for law enforcement agencies. The cooperation between private businesses like Simon Property and law enforcement agencies is seen as a strategic advantage in combating organized retail crime and protecting public safety. However, the expansion of surveillance powers without transparency or public consent raises significant ethical and legal concerns regarding privacy rights and individual freedoms.
Flock Safety has emphasized its commitment to protecting privacy by only collecting car data, not personal information. The company’s senior vice president of policy and communications asserted that their technology serves as a potential deterrent to organized retail crime and provides objective evidence when needed. As partnerships between private companies and law enforcement agencies continue to evolve, the balance between public safety and privacy rights remains a critical issue that requires thoughtful consideration and regulation.
