Flock's Gunshot Microphones May Listen to More Than Just Guns
Your neighborhood microphones might be picking up more than gunshots.
Flock is a company that makes microphones designed to detect gunshots in neighborhoods. At a recent tech conference, the CEO, Garrett Langley, said the microphones detect 'just gunshots.' However, Flock's own website says the microphones can also pick up other sounds like car crashes, fireworks, and sideshows (illegal street racing events). This contradiction is important because it raises questions about what these devices are really listening to and whether they could be used to monitor other activities.
The company faced criticism last year when it announced the technology could detect 'screaming' and 'sounds of human distress.' After privacy groups complained, Flock changed its website and eventually removed the distress detection feature. Now, Langley says the product is only for gunshots, but the website still lists other capabilities. A Flock spokesperson clarified that the technology is not designed to monitor conversations or analyze speech, but it can detect fireworks, sideshows, and car crashes.
This matters because Flock's microphones are being installed in public areas, and there are growing concerns about mass surveillance. Some cities, like San Antonio and Jacksonville, have ended their relationships with Flock, and Amazon's Ring has stopped partnering with them. Privacy advocates, including the ACLU, are worried about misuse of the technology. The CEO's comments at the conference were met with protests outside, showing that public opinion is turning against this kind of surveillance.
In short, while Flock claims its microphones are only for gunshots, the reality seems more complex. If you live in an area with these devices, you might want to know exactly what they're capable of detecting. The company's mixed messages highlight the importance of transparency when it comes to surveillance technology in our communities.
- Flock's CEO says its microphones only detect gunshots, but the company's website says they can also detect car crashes, fireworks, and sideshows.
- The company previously faced backlash for trying to detect human screams and distress, and later removed that feature.
- Several cities and companies have cut ties with Flock due to privacy concerns, and protests have erupted against its surveillance technology.
Why It Matters
If these microphones are in your neighborhood, you deserve to know exactly what they're listening to.