Oakland County Approves Controversial Drone Contract Amid Privacy Concerns
Oakland County, Michigan, has approved a contentious contract with Flock Group Inc. for drone response services, despite significant public opposition. The contract, which begins with a nine-month pilot program, could extend to a three-year agreement valued at $2.5 million. The decision was made by a 13-4 vote among county commissioners, with public comments on the matter postponed until after the vote. Residents expressed concerns about privacy and the potential for mass surveillance, fearing that the drones could be used beyond their intended purpose of police assistance and search and rescue operations. The contract stipulates that all data collected will be owned by the sheriff’s department, and the drones are not intended for surveillance. 
