This is a call-to-action and investigative update about how local police are deploying Axon automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems after many cities moved away from Flock cameras. It argues that scrutiny is needed because previous reporting showed Flock data was used for immigration enforcement and to hunt for someone who had an abortion, raising questions about whether Axon is being used similarly and who receives the data. Investigative staff have already filed public records requests and obtained Axon activity reports from several agencies, and they want community help to locate more records nationwide to document officer searches, reasons logged, and data-sharing partners.
The piece gives precise instructions and a template for public records requests seeking four Axon reports (Internal ALPR Activity, Network ALPR Activity, ALPR Data Sharing, ALPR Hotlist Management Audit) covering January 1, 2025, to the present, with a link to Axon’s help pages and a recommendation to file via each agency’s public-records contact or MuckRock. It lists sample departments that have produced records (Benton County WA; Falmouth ME; Johns Creek GA; Ocean Shores WA; Pleasanton TX; Red Wing MN) and asks readers who obtain files to email them to [email protected] so the usage and sharing of Axon’s surveillance data can be mapped.
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In 1950, the U.S. Army conducted secret biological warfare tests over San Francisco, exposing civilians to dangerous bacteria without their knowledge. The tests remained largely hidden until a 1976 article revealed that at least one person died from exposure, sparking anger and fear about government experiments on citizens. (sfgate.com)
Reddit displays a message indicating the user has been blocked by network security and needs to log in or use a developer token. Users are instructed to file a ticket if they believe the block is in error. (reddit.com)
Meta's Muse app collects extensive user data, including bank accounts and emails, while primarily focusing on surveilling users rather than providing helpful assistance. Despite its impressive web browsing capabilities, the app's main purpose appears to be data gathering for AI training. (wired.com)
The US threatens to ground all Iranian airlines worldwide starting Wednesday, targeting companies and airports that service them. This move is part of a broader economic campaign against Iran, risking international travel disruptions for Iranian carriers. (aljazeera.com)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Trump administration will not provide AI leaders with a liability shield, emphasizing that humans are responsible for AI actions. He also highlighted that AI developers should take responsibility themselves rather than rely on government protections. (cnbc.com)
The Yin family donated over $4.4 million to California politicians, including Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris. FBI files link family patriarch Chei Chen Yin to suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang and interactions with Chinese government influence efforts. (cbsnews.com)
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