Flock Safety Expands Drones to Private Security Firms Amid Shoplifter Crackdowns

The Download: Shoplifter-Chasing Drones and Trump's TikTok Deal In a move that has sparked both excitement and concern, Flock Safety, a company once reserved for police departments, is now offering its camera-equipped drones to private-sector security firms. The development marks a significant expansion of the technology's use cases, with potential customers including businesses seeking to curb shoplifting. According to Keith Kauffman, a former police chief who directs Flock's drone program, the system works by allowing security teams at stores to activate a drone when they spot shoplifters leaving the premises. The drone then follows the individuals as they enter their vehicle, and with the click of a button, it tracks the car, providing a live video feed that can be transmitted directly to police departments. Flock's decision to offer its drones to private security firms is seen by some as a logical step in the evolution of the technology. "It makes sense for Flock to expand into the private sector," said Rebecca Williams, senior strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) privacy and data governance unit. However, she added that this expansion raises concerns about the potential misuse of surveillance technology. The use of drones in shoplifting prevention is not new, but the ability to offer them to private security firms marks a significant shift in the market. According to industry analysts, the global drone market is expected to reach $13.4 billion by 2025, with the commercial sector driving growth. Flock's move into private security comes as the company continues to expand its offerings beyond law enforcement. In addition to shoplifting prevention, Flock's drones are also being used for search and rescue operations, traffic management, and environmental monitoring. The expansion of drone technology into private security has sparked debate about the balance between public safety and individual privacy. As companies like Flock continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with drones, regulators will need to keep pace to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly. Flock's decision to offer its drones to private security firms marks a significant development in the use of surveillance technology. As the market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this expansion will impact both businesses and individuals. Background Flock Safety was founded in 2017 with the goal of providing law enforcement agencies with advanced crime-fighting tools. The company's drones have been used by police departments across the United States for a range of applications, including search and rescue operations and traffic management. Market Analysis The global drone market is expected to reach $13.4 billion by 2025, driven by growth in the commercial sector. Flock's decision to expand into private security marks a significant shift in the market, as companies seek to capitalize on the growing demand for surveillance technology. Economic Impact The expansion of drone technology into private security is expected to have a significant economic impact, with potential applications in industries such as retail, transportation, and construction. However, concerns about privacy and data governance will need to be addressed as these technologies continue to evolve. Next Developments As Flock continues to expand its offerings beyond law enforcement, regulators will need to keep pace to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly. The company's decision to offer its drones to private security firms marks a significant development in the use of surveillance technology, and it remains to be seen how this expansion will impact both businesses and individuals. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*