Only 10% of the data collected by Flock cameras and license plate scanners in Bend, Oregon, assists the police in solving crimes. This means the vast majority—90%—of the data gathered is unrelated to crime prevention and is instead owned by the corporation behind these cameras. The unsettling truth is that this corporation can sell your image, driving habits, and personal information to private companies or individuals. These details potentially end up on multiple, unrelated, unsecured servers, leaving residents of Bend with little to no control over who can access their private information.

This poses a significant threat to our reasonable expectation of privacy. In a world where data breaches are increasingly common and personal information is frequently exploited, the presence of Flock cameras undermines the very essence of privacy that we hold dear. Why should ordinary citizens have their every movement tracked, recorded, and monetized by private entities without explicit consent or knowledge?

The City of Bend values the privacy and security of its residents, yet the use of Flock cameras contradicts this principle. There are other effective crime-solving technologies that protect public privacy and do not involve wholesale collection and monetization of personal data. Community engagement, increased police presence, and investment in other non-invasive technologies could serve as alternatives without infringing on individual privacy.

Local governments worldwide are choosing to ditch such invasive surveillance technologies, recognizing the importance of protecting citizen privacy. Bend can and should be at the forefront of prioritizing resident privacy and data protection.

By banning Flock cameras in Bend, we can send a strong message that privacy is a non-negotiable right. Let's encourage our city officials to embrace approaches that safeguard our community's values and integrity. Join us in urging our city leaders to take action against the unwarranted surveillance and data monetization by signing this petition today. Together, we can preserve the sanctity of our private lives and hold firm to our belief in the right to privacy. Please sign now to demand change.