Anti-surveillance protestors flock to Chris Larsen’s house
Activists protested outside cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen's Russian Hill home, criticizing his significant investments in Flock Safety license plate readers and other surveillance technology for the San Francisco Police Department. The protest was part of a nationwide action against automated license plate readers, organized by DeFlock, a privacy rights activist group. Organizers highlighted public anger against surveillance technology, which they likened to data centers as a political lightning rod for anti-AI groups.
Activists gathered outside the Russian Hill home of cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple, on Friday to protest his substantial investments in surveillance technology. The demonstration, which targeted Larsen's $9.4 million grant to the San Francisco Police Department for "modern crime-fighting tools," was organized by DeFlock, a privacy rights activist group.
Protestors specifically criticized Larsen's funding of Flock Safety license plate readers, arguing that such surveillance technology, much like data centers, has become a significant point of contention for anti-AI and privacy groups nationwide. Luc Bouchard, an organizer with Sunrise Movement, stated outside Larsen's Hyde Street residence, "He feels entitled to watch us. We came to his house to watch him." The event was part of a broader week of action against automated license plate readers (ALPRs).
The article also noted that public backlash against surveillance technology has, in some instances, led to change, citing the removal of facial ID tech from Castro gay bars and bans on Meta glasses by various entities due to privacy concerns. Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley acknowledged the growing public anger, suggesting a national "compromise" between safety and privacy.