'Darth Vader' criticizes Flock cameras at San Diego city council meeting

A figure resembling Darth Vader made an appearance at a San Diego city council meeting, using the iconic villain's persona to voice opposition to the city's use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers. The individual, whose true identity remains concealed, donned the Star Wars antagonist's costume to address the public safety committee on Thursday.

During the meeting, the Darth Vader impersonator quipped that the technology would assist the "empire" in tracking down "rebel scum," a clear jab at the surveillance capabilities of Flock cameras. This theatrical protest comes at a time when the company, Flock Safety, is facing increasing criticism and public backlash over concerns that its technology infringes on privacy and enables widespread spying.

The stunt highlights the growing unease among some residents and activists regarding the proliferation of surveillance technology in public spaces. While the individual's identity is unknown, their creative protest aimed to draw attention to the potential downsides of automated license plate readers and their implications for civil liberties.

“

The technology would aid the empire in tracking ‘rebel scum’