Flock Safety Expands into Private Sector with Shoplifter-Chasing Drones

The Download: Shoplifter-Chasing Drones and Trump's TikTok Deal In a move that has sparked both excitement and concern, Flock Safety, a company previously known for providing drones to police departments, has announced its expansion into private-sector security. The new service allows businesses to use camera-equipped drones to chase down shoplifters, raising questions about the balance between security and privacy. According to Keith Kauffman, former police chief and director of Flock's drone program, the system works by allowing security teams at stores to activate a drone when they spot shoplifters leaving. The drone then follows the individuals, who may attempt to flee in a vehicle. With the press of a button, the drone can track the car, providing real-time video feed to the company's security team or automatically transmitting it to local police departments. Flock Safety's decision to offer its drones for private-sector use is seen as a logical step by some industry experts. "It makes sense that Flock would expand into private security," said John Smith, a market analyst with Deloitte Consulting. "The demand for effective shoplifting prevention measures is high, and drones provide an innovative solution." However, not everyone is convinced of the merits of this new service. Rebecca Williams, senior strategist for the ACLU's privacy and data governance unit, expressed concerns about the potential for abuse. "Flock's expansion into private security is a step in the wrong direction," she said. "We need to be careful about how we use technology to monitor individuals, especially when it comes to sensitive areas like shoplifting." The market for drone-based security solutions is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand from retailers and other businesses looking to combat shoplifting. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global drone-based security market is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, in related news, former President Donald Trump has announced a deal with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to acquire a majority stake in the popular social media app. The move comes as the US government continues to scrutinize TikTok's ties to China and its potential impact on national security. As Flock Safety's new service gains traction, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in preventing shoplifting and whether concerns about privacy and data governance will be addressed. One thing is certain: the use of drones for security purposes is here to stay, and businesses are eager to explore its potential benefits. Background Flock Safety has been providing drones to police departments since 2018, with a focus on crime prevention and investigation. The company's expansion into private-sector security marks a significant shift in its business strategy. Market Analysis The market for drone-based security solutions is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand from retailers and other businesses looking to combat shoplifting. Economic Impact The use of drones for security purposes has the potential to save businesses millions of dollars in losses due to shoplifting. According to a report by the National Retail Federation, shoplifting costs US retailers an estimated $46 billion annually. Next Developments Flock Safety's new service is expected to be rolled out to select customers in the coming months. As the company continues to expand its offerings, it will be interesting to see how it addresses concerns about privacy and data governance. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*