Drones Deployed to Combat Shoplifting: Trump's TikTok Deal in Limelight

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 reserved for police departments, is now offering its camera-equipped drones to private-sector security firms. The technology, designed to combat shoplifting, allows businesses to track suspects with the aid of aerial surveillance. According to Keith Kauffman, a former police chief who directs Flock's drone program, the system works by having store security teams activate the drone when they spot shoplifters leaving the premises. "If people get in a car," Kauffman explained, "you click a button and you track the vehicle with the drone, and the drone just follows the car." The video feed from the drone can be transmitted to Flock's security team or directly to police departments. The expansion into private-sector security is seen as a logical step by some industry experts. However, Rebecca Williams, senior strategist for the ACLU's privacy and data governance unit, expressed concerns about the potential misuse of this technology. "Flock's expansion in the wrong direction," Williams stated. "We need to be careful about how we use surveillance technology." Shoplifting has long been a concern for retailers, with losses estimated to exceed $30 billion annually in the United States alone. The introduction of drone-based surveillance could potentially provide businesses with an effective tool to combat this issue. Flock Safety's decision to offer its drones to private security firms marks a significant shift in the market. As more companies explore the use of drones for security purposes, it is likely that we will see increased adoption of this technology across various industries. The announcement comes as President Trump's administration has been scrutinized over its handling of TikTok, a popular social media platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance. The president had threatened to ban the app unless it was sold to an American company. In a surprise move, Oracle Corporation emerged as a potential buyer, but the deal remains uncertain. As the market for drone-based security solutions continues to grow, companies like Flock Safety are poised to capitalize on this trend. However, concerns about surveillance and data governance will need to be addressed in order to ensure that this technology is used responsibly. Market Analysis The private security industry is expected to reach $245 billion by 2025, driven by growing demand for advanced surveillance solutions. The introduction of drone-based security systems like Flock Safety's could potentially disrupt the market, as companies seek to capitalize on the benefits of aerial surveillance. Economic Impact The impact of shoplifting on retailers is significant, with estimated losses exceeding $30 billion annually in the United States alone. The introduction of drone-based surveillance could potentially help reduce these losses, providing a boost to the retail industry. Practical Business Insights As companies consider adopting drone-based security solutions, they will need to weigh the benefits against potential concerns about surveillance and data governance. Businesses must also ensure that they comply with relevant regulations and laws governing the use of aerial surveillance technology. In conclusion, Flock Safety's decision to offer its drones to private-sector security firms marks a significant development in the market for drone-based security solutions. As companies continue to explore the benefits of aerial surveillance, concerns about surveillance and data governance will need to be addressed in order to ensure that this technology is used responsibly. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*