Hundreds of U.S. communities have been embroiled in fights over Flock cameras, which can be used to track license plates as well as individuals across the country. As more stories emerge of errors by the cameras, abuses by the authorities who use them, and other concerns, locals have “flocked” to their city councils in an effort to remove the tech from their streets.
It’s an encouraging movement that’s taking shape, linked in many ways to the growing bipartisan outrage against data center construction. This week in OtherWords, columnist Farrah Hassen documents the concerns about Flock camera and warns Flock isn’t the only brand to watch out for — nor are those license plate readers the only tech we should be worried about.
“As more communities wake up to the danger, the solution isn’t trading one brand of camera for another,” Farrah concludes. “We need oversight and regulation of the entire surveillance industry, as well as the government agencies that rely on it.” Don’t miss it!
Also this week, Janiah Miller explains how high housing prices aren’t just making it harder for disabled people to afford a roof. They also threaten to cut people off from the friends, neighbors, and community members who make daily life possible for countless Americans with disabilities.
Finally, labor leaders Luc Triangle and Cathy Feingold warn that the Trump administration has been undermining labor rights in the U.S., leading the country to be grouped with countries like Zimbabwe and the Philippines on a global watchlist.
New This Week…
The Fight Against Flock Cameras Is Just the Beginning | Farrah Hassen
As more communities wake up to the danger of mass surveillance, the solution isn’t trading one brand of camera for another. It’s regulating the whole industry.
When Disabled People Are Priced Out, We Lose More Than a Home | Janiah Miller
Disabled people like me rely on our neighbors to make day-to-day life possible. The high cost of housing threatens these relationships.
Workers’ Rights Are Plummeting Under Trump — and the World Is Taking Notice | Luc Triangle, Cathy Feingold
The U.S. now appears on a watchlist alongside countries like Zimbabwe and the Philippines.
In Case You Missed It…
Don’t Want Explosive Diarrhea? Shop Local — and Regulate Big Food | Sonali Kolhatkar
Will the federal government have the guts to do what it takes to protect the American people’s guts?
How States Can Protect Residents from Harmful Pesticides | Emma Newton
The Supreme Court may have sided with Monsanto, but states can still take action against harmful pesticide manufacturers.
States Can Make Big Tech Pay Their Fair Share | Shaddi Zeid
To offset federal cuts, Illinois will now tax corporations using our personal data for advertising. Other states should follow.
Elon Musk’s Fortune Comes From Not Paying Taxes | Stephen Land and Bob Lord
Trillionaires are creatures of the tax code. If they paid taxes like working people, we wouldn’t have any.
