Darth Vader Advocates for Surveillance Tech in San Diego Council Meeting

In a striking moment at the San Diego City Council meeting on August 19, a figure clad in a black helmet and cape took to the microphone, eerily breathing into the mic before speaking. This was no ordinary citizen; it was 'Darth Vader,' passionately advocating for the use of Flock surveillance technology in the city.

"The emperor is a fan of Flock," Vader declared, emphasizing the need for these cameras to monitor activities in parks and gymnasiums. He suggested that such surveillance was essential to keep tabs on what he referred to as 'rebel scum.' His comments raised eyebrows, particularly when he humorously noted the technology could assist him in tracking his ex-girlfriend.

Vader implored the council members to use their 'Jedi mind tricks' to persuade citizens that increased surveillance was beneficial for the community. He pointed to a prior city council vote in favor of the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, which critics argue criminalized homelessness, drawing a parallel to the contentious nature of surveillance.

San Diego currently boasts over 550 Flock cameras, following a deal to access open-source intelligence for the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). These cameras not only track license plates but also compile personal information, raising concerns about privacy and the potential implications of such surveillance practices.

The ongoing debate over Flock's technology has already had real-world consequences, including a wrongful arrest linked to a Flock camera's misidentification, leading to a potential lawsuit against the city.

Source: www.404media.co