Businesses to Deploy Shoplifter-Chasing Drones Amid Concerns Over Surveillance and Privacy

The Download: Shoplifter-Chasing Drones and Trump's TikTok Deal In a move that raises concerns about surveillance and privacy, Flock Safety has announced it will now offer its drone technology to private-sector security companies, potentially allowing businesses to chase down shoplifters. The company's drones were previously reserved for police departments. According to Keith Kauffman, a former police chief who directs Flock's drone program, the technology allows security teams at stores to activate a camera-equipped drone when they spot shoplifters leaving with merchandise. The drone can then follow the individuals as they get into a car and track their vehicle in real-time. "You click a button and you track the vehicle with the drone, and the drone just follows the car," Kauffman explained. The video feed from the drone can be transmitted directly to police departments or shared with Flock's security team for review. This expansion into private-sector security is seen as a logical step by some, but others are raising concerns about the potential for abuse and erosion of civil liberties. Rebecca Williams, senior strategist for the ACLU's privacy and data governance unit, called Flock's move "a wrong direction." "We're concerned that this technology could be used to surveil and track individuals without their knowledge or consent," she said. "It's a slippery slope when you start using technology like this in private hands." Flock Safety's decision to offer its drones to private companies is seen as a response to growing demand for effective anti-shoplifting measures. Shoplifting has become a significant concern for retailers, with losses estimated at over $46 billion annually in the US. The market for drone-based security solutions is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing adoption of IoT technology and concerns about public safety. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global drone-based security market is projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2025, up from $430 million in 2020. The expansion into private-sector security also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in responding to shoplifting incidents. Under current laws, police departments are often reluctant to chase down shoplifters unless they pose a significant threat to public safety. Flock Safety's decision to offer its drones to private companies has sparked debate among industry experts and civil liberties groups. While some see it as a necessary measure to combat shoplifting, others worry about the potential for abuse and erosion of individual rights. As the use of drone technology in security applications continues to grow, Flock Safety is poised to become a major player in the market. With its expansion into private-sector security, the company is taking a significant step forward in its mission to provide effective solutions for retailers and law enforcement agencies. By James O'Donnell For more on this story and other developments in drone technology, see our previous coverage: "Why You're About to See a Lot More Drones Over America's Skies" "Meet Serhii 'Flash' Beskrestnov, the Radio-Obsessed Civilian Shaping Ukraine's Drone Industry" *Reporting by Technologyreview.*