Darth Vader Cosplayer Sardonically Criticizes San Diego's Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras at City Council Meeting
A person dressed as 'Star Wars' villain Darth Vader delivered a sarcastic critique of San Diego's use of Flock surveillance cameras during a public comment session at a City Council committee meeting. The cosplayer, who was formally called to the podium as Darth Vader, used the character's persona to mock the technology, stating, 'The Emperor is a fan of Flock' and that the cameras are needed to 'follow and surveil the Rebel scum.' This theatrical protest highlighted widespread privacy concerns regarding Flock Safety's artificial intelligence-enabled license plate readers, which are deployed in over 120,000 locations across the U.S. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also expressed opposition, with attendees holding signs reading 'Get the Flock Out!' The incident underscores growing scrutiny from lawmakers, civil rights groups, and the public over the potential misuse of such surveillance technology. 
