Malls owned by Simon Property, America’s largest mall owner and a $50 billion retail giant, are now using AI-powered cameras to send footage of visitors’ cars directly to local police, according to emails obtained by Forbes. The surveillance partnership between Simon Property and Flock Safety, a $4 billion car surveillance company, allows for real-time monitoring of vehicles in Simon’s shopping centers across the country. This move raises concerns about the expansion of police surveillance powers without citizens’ knowledge or approval.
Flock’s AI software enables customers to search for vehicles by license plate, model, color, or other defining features, making it an effective tool for tracking people’s movements. While Flock is open about its police contracts and the role its technology plays in solving crimes, its relationships with private companies like Simon Property have been kept under wraps. By handing over camera feeds directly to law enforcement, Simon Property appears to be facilitating increased surveillance without public consent.
Experts, including Jay Stanley of the American Civil Liberties Union, have expressed concerns over the merging of law enforcement powers with those of major corporations like Simon Property. The undisclosed agreement between Simon Property and Flock Safety raises questions about transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technology in public spaces like malls. The arrangement between Simon Property and Flock Safety has broader implications for privacy and civil liberties, as it potentially allows for increased monitoring of individuals without their knowledge.
In addition to Simon Property, other major retailers like Lowe’s have also used Flock Safety’s AI cameras for security purposes. Lowe’s Vice President of Asset Protection, Scott Draher, stated that Flock cameras are one component of the company’s strategy to combat shoplifting. However, it remains unclear how many Lowe’s stores have Flock cameras or if camera feeds are shared with law enforcement agencies. Flock Safety has emphasized the role of its technology in deterring crime and providing objective evidence when needed, while safeguarding privacy by only collecting car data, not personal information.
Flock Safety’s growth and partnerships with private businesses like Simon Property and Lowe’s have faced scrutiny, particularly in relation to the efficacy of its AI technology in reducing crime. Reports have raised questions about Flock Safety’s rapid revenue growth and potential violations of state laws related to permits for camera installations. It is essential for companies like Flock Safety, as well as their partners in law enforcement and retail, to operate within legal and ethical frameworks to protect individuals’ privacy rights while maintaining public safety.
The use of AI-powered surveillance technology in public spaces like malls raises important ethical and legal considerations. The collaboration between Simon Property, Flock Safety, and law enforcement agencies highlights the complex dynamics of surveillance in commercial environments. As the debate over surveillance and privacy continues, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage in transparent dialogue and uphold legal principles in balancing security needs with individual rights. The implications of increased surveillance in shopping centers and other public spaces point to the need for ongoing scrutiny and oversight to safeguard civil liberties and privacy rights.
