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    US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is reported to be seeking artificial intelligence tools capable of monitoring detained immigrants' phone calls and physical movements. The plan raises questions about privacy, surveillance of people in custody, and how the technology would be used in immigration enforcement. The story is drawing attention and debate online, with critics likely to raise civil liberties concerns.

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    An Israeli advertising technology firm is at the centre of new research findings concerning spyware, according to a report drawing attention across global tech and policy circles. The work raises questions about how commercial ad-tech infrastructure can intersect with surveillance tools, and analysts are discussing what oversight or regulation may follow the revelations.

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    Online ads weaponised to deliver zero-click spyware, researchers say▼Online ads weaponised to deliver ‘zero-click’ spyware, researchers sayMmastodonTechnologyCybersecurity1332 d ago

    Researchers at the University of Toronto say online ads are being weaponised to spread spyware. They report that Discover-Tech's Controlium software allows clients to mass-profile internet users and then covertly hack selected targets without any clicks or interaction, raising fresh concerns about surveillance technology being marketed to a broad client base.

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    Israeli firm spied on users via malicious online ads▼Israeli firm spied on internet users through a sprawling network of zero-click online ads that it used to track targetsMmastodonWarMiddle East83 d ago

    An Israeli company, Disinformation Technologies (Discover-Tech), reportedly spied on internet users through a sprawling network of zero-click online ads. People who visited sites or used apps carrying the malicious ads could be identified and tracked, with the system also used to help hack targets' devices. The revelations are drawing comparisons to commercial spyware scandals and raising fresh questions about the unregulated surveillance-for-hire industry.

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    Flock CEO defends surveillance tech amid privacy backlash▼Flock CEO defends surveillance technology amid national backlash: 'We shouldn't pause progress' | TechCrunchMmastodonTechnology1102 d ago

    Flock CEO Garrett Langley defended his company's surveillance technology at TechCrunch Disrupt, saying 'we shouldn't pause progress' as the company faces a national backlash over privacy concerns. Langley argued the camera network's crime-fighting benefits outweigh the risks of abuse, a stance drawing criticism from privacy advocates who say the widespread surveillance infrastructure enables misuse and tracking of ordinary people.

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    Anduril tender offer values defense startup at $90 billion▼Anduril employee tender offer would value the defense tech startup at $90 billion✉newsBusinessStartups3 d ago

    Defense technology company Anduril is preparing an employee tender offer that would value the startup at $90 billion, according to CNBC. The valuation would cement Anduril's place among the most valuable private tech companies in the United States, reflecting investor enthusiasm for defense startups amid rising military spending and growing interest in autonomous weapons and surveillance systems.

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    US charity to use AI to monitor Gaza classrooms for hateful speech▼US charity plans to use AI to monitor its Gaza classrooms for 'hateful' speechYhnLifeParenting242 d ago

    A US charity running schools for children in Gaza plans to deploy artificial intelligence to monitor classrooms for what it calls hateful speech, according to an AP report. The plan has drawn attention and debate, with critics and supporters weighing questions of child privacy, free expression and the ethics of using surveillance technology on children in a conflict zone.

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    Flock CEO defends surveillance tech amid growing backlash▼Flock CEO defends surveillance technology amid national backlash: 'We shouldn't pause progress'✉newsTechnology3 d ago

    Flock Safety's chief executive is defending the company's surveillance technology after a wave of national criticism, telling critics that "we shouldn't pause progress." The comments come as scrutiny grows over the company's license plate readers and camera networks used by police and communities across the United States. Debate continues over privacy, data sharing, and how far public safety surveillance should go.

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    Radar is drawing attention across several stories. A Russian military satellite is reported to have stalked a Ukraine-linked spy satellite in orbit, closing to within five kilometres. In the US, radar firm IMSAR secured a private placement from OceanSound to scale its drone radar business. In New Zealand, the National Party outlined next steps for a Nelson Tasman weather radar, keeping local infrastructure in the headlines.

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    Flock Safety surveillance tech draws privacy protests in San Francisco▼Flock Safety surveillance technology sparks privacy protests at San Francisco tech conference✉newsTechnology3 d ago

    Protests have erupted over Flock Safety's surveillance technology at a tech conference in San Francisco, with demonstrators raising privacy concerns about the company's camera and license-plate reading systems. Critics argue the widespread deployment of such tools enables mass tracking of people's movements, while the company markets its products as crime-fighting tools for cities and neighborhoods.

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    Proptech's Promise and Peril for Housing Rights▼Proptech’s Promise and Peril for Housing Rights✉newsWorldHuman Rights3 d ago

    A new commentary examines how property technology companies are reshaping housing markets and what that means for tenants' rights. It weighs the benefits proptech offers, such as efficiency and access, against risks like algorithmic screening, surveillance, and eviction tools that can undermine housing security. The piece calls for stronger regulation to protect renters as digital platforms take on a bigger role in housing decisions.

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    Citizen Lab Exposes AdFection Ad-Based Spyware Campaign●Exposing AdFection: How Discover-Tech Turned Targeted Ads Into a Pipeline for Zero-Click Mercenary Spyware✉newsTechnology3 d ago

    The Citizen Lab has published a report describing "AdFection," an operation in which ad-targeting technology was allegedly exploited to deliver zero-click mercenary spyware to targeted individuals' devices. The findings point to abuse of the digital advertising ecosystem as an infection pipeline, raising fresh concerns about surveillance-for-hire firms and the security of online advertising infrastructure.

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    License-plate camera maker stands firm amid privacy backlash●The maker of license-plate-reading cameras used by thousands of U.S. police departments is standing firm on its technoloMmastodonTechnology14 d ago

    The manufacturer of license-plate-reading cameras used by thousands of U.S. police departments is defending its technology despite mounting criticism from privacy advocates and members of the public over how the surveillance tools are deployed. The company is refusing to back down from its systems, keeping a debate over automated policing and civil liberties in the spotlight.

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    Flock Surveillance Case Reignites Debate Over Safety and Control●Surveillance and Responsibility: The Flock Case Brings Back to Light the Boundary Between Public Safety and TechnologicaMmastodonTechnology33 d ago

    The Flock case has returned attention to the line between public safety and technological control. Ongoing debates cover the company's product defense, questions around microphone capabilities, and concerns about how law enforcement uses its surveillance tools, making Flock the most visible flashpoint in a wider argument over the responsibilities of surveillance technology providers and the oversight of their government customers.

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    Tlaib bill would bar federal funding for Flock surveillance tech●Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduces bill to prohibit federal funding for Flock technology✉newsTechnology3 d ago

    Representative Rashida Tlaib has introduced legislation to prohibit federal funding for Flock technology, the automated license plate reader and surveillance systems used by police departments across the United States. The bill targets the use of taxpayer money for the company's camera networks, which civil liberties critics have long argued enable mass tracking of drivers. Details on the bill's prospects and support remain limited so far.

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    Swedish defence company Saab's GlobalEye surveillance aircraft is a step closer to a commercial agreement, with the system set to designate targets for long-range missiles. The news, reported by Swedish technology magazine Ny Teknik, signals growing momentum for Saab's airborne early warning and control platform as demand for advanced surveillance capability increases across Europe.

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    Watchdog says NYPD's Flock camera use lacks transparency●🕵️ Latest from # Surveillance # Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) # NYC “NYPD Flock usage overwhelmingly lacks traMmastodonTechnology43 d ago

    The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project reports that the NYPD's use of Flock surveillance cameras in New York City overwhelmingly lacks transparency. The group found at least 24 officers used the system, logging 418 searches with no officer name attached, and says many records are blank, leaving the public unable to know who conducted searches or why.

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    Ad-tech firm exposed as delivery system for mercenary spyware●Ad-tech company was a delivery system for "mercenary spyware"YhnTechnology5628 min ago

    An advertising technology company has been described as having functioned as a delivery mechanism for mercenary spyware, raising concerns about how commercial tracking infrastructure can be repurposed for surveillance. The claim highlights the overlap between ad-targeting tools and state-aligned spying capabilities, and renew scrutiny of the largely unregulated data-brokering and ad-tech industries.

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    Sonoma County Human Rights Commission to Hold Forum on Flock Cameras▼Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights to Hold Forum on Flock Cameras October 19✉newsWorldHuman Rights13 h ago

    The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights will hold a public forum on October 19 addressing Flock automatic license plate reader cameras. The event gives residents a chance to raise questions about surveillance, privacy and how the camera network is used by law enforcement in the county. The announcement was reported by the Sonoma Sun.

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    Israeli adtech firm hacked phones of Australian nuclear staff●Israeli #adtech company with links to Israel’s government hacked phones belonging to people working for Australia’s nuclMmastodonTechnologyCybersecurity226 min ago

    An Israeli advertising technology company with links to Israel's government has been accused of hacking the phones of people working in Australia's nuclear program using a zero-click exploit, meaning no interaction from the victim was needed. Reporting by the ABC has drawn attention to the alleged espionage operation and raised concerns about foreign surveillance targeting Australian critical infrastructure.

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    EFF Urges Wisconsin Supreme Court to End Warrantless License Plate Reader Searches●We’re Asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to End Warrantless ALPR Searches✉newsWorldLaw & Courts4 d ago

    The Electronic Frontier Foundation has asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to rule that police must obtain a warrant before searching automatic license plate reader (ALPR) databases. The group argues that warrantless queries of systems that track drivers' locations violate privacy rights. The case will test how far location-tracking surveillance technology can be used without judicial oversight in Wisconsin.

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    Celina council approves $10M for police technology▼Cameras, drones, AI: Celina council OKs $10M for police technology✉newsTechnology3 d ago

    The Celina city council has approved $10 million in funding for new police technology, including cameras, drones and artificial intelligence systems. The move equips the fast-growing North Texas city's police department with modern surveillance and investigative tools. Details on how the money will be spent and what systems will be purchased have not been reported beyond the council's approval of the package.

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    Man Builds DIY Flock Camera Rival and Police Object▼# satire who watches the watchers # DIY https://www. jalopnik.com/2288078/man-diy-f lock-cameras-police-dont-like-it/MmastodonLifeHome & Garden2220 h ago

    A man has built his own DIY version of Flock license-plate surveillance cameras, and police are not happy about it, according to Jalopnik. The story is being shared with a satirical framing about 'who watches the watchers', highlighting the irony of civilians turning surveillance tools back on authorities and the official objections that followed.

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    UK commits millions to facial recognition rollout●The UK is committing roughly £26 million to a national facial recognition system, plus £11.6 million to expand live reco𝕏xGB2654 d ago

    The UK government is putting around £26 million into a national facial recognition system, alongside £11.6 million to expand live facial recognition capabilities for police. The funding forms part of a wider £141 million policing technology package announced earlier this year. The plans are drawing attention from both supporters who see faster crime-solving and critics worried about mass surveillance and privacy.

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    Public forum on Flock license plate readers set for Sonoma County Fairgrounds▼Upcoming public forum on Flock and license plate readers to be hosted at Sonoma County Fairgrounds✉newsWorldHuman Rights3 d ago

    A public forum on Flock Safety's license plate readers will be hosted at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, giving residents a chance to weigh in on the surveillance technology. Discussion is expected to focus on how the cameras are used, data retention, and privacy concerns. The event comes as communities across California debate the expansion of automated plate-reading systems by local law enforcement.

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    Mosqitter turns mosquito traps into AI surveillance network●Mosqitter is turning its mosquito traps into an AI-powered surveillance network Mosqitter is turning its mosquito-trappiMmastodonTechnologyCybersecurity14 d ago

    Mosquito trap maker Mosqitter is upgrading its hardware into an AI-powered surveillance network. The system is designed to identify mosquito species, monitor populations, and issue earlier warnings about mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria or dengue. The news is drawing attention from technology watchers interested in how consumer pest-control devices are being repurposed as environmental health monitoring tools.

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    Las Vegas startup brings AI to casino surveillance▼Las Vegas startup brings AI to the casino eye in the sky✉newsBusinessStartups14 h ago

    A Las Vegas startup is applying artificial intelligence to casino surveillance, the traditional 'eye in the sky' that monitors gaming floors. The technology aims to automate detection of suspicious behavior, cheating and other security concerns that human observers currently track from above. It is being reported as a notable development in the growing use of AI within the gambling industry.

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    ICE protestors in Maine had data entered into Palantir system●🕵️ Latest from # Surveillance # Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) # NYC “ICE protestors in Maine found their dataMmastodonTechnology223 h ago

    The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project reports that people who protested against ICE in Maine found their personal data entered into Palantir's Gotham-based ICM system, which automatically shares information with Customs and Border Protection. Civil liberties advocates say the case shows how protest activity can feed into immigration and border enforcement databases, raising concerns about surveillance of political activity.

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    Automated Hepatitis C Surveillance Shows Promise, Needs Validation▼Automated HCV Surveillance Shows Promise But Needs Validation✉newsHealthPandemics15 h ago

    Researchers report that automated surveillance for hepatitis C virus (HCV) could improve detection and tracking of infections, easing the burden of manual case reporting. Early results suggest the technology works, but experts caution the systems still require rigorous validation before widespread adoption in public health programmes. The findings are drawing attention amid global efforts to eliminate HCV.

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    Shelly launches privacy-friendly presence sensor detecting ten people●Shelly’s new presence sensor simultaneously detects up to ten people without a camera✉newsTechnologyGadgets3 d ago

    Smart home manufacturer Shelly has unveiled a new presence sensor capable of simultaneously detecting up to ten people in a room without using a camera. The device offers occupancy detection while addressing privacy concerns common with camera-based systems. It is aimed at home automation users who want reliable presence detection for lighting, heating and security without video surveillance.

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    License Plate Reader Helped Catch Armed Bank Robbery Suspect▼St. Johns County deputies say license plate reader technology helped track down armed bank robbery suspect✉newsTechnology16 h ago

    St. Johns County deputies in Florida say license plate reader technology played a key role in tracking down a suspect in an armed bank robbery. Authorities used the automated system to locate the individual following the crime. The case highlights the growing role of surveillance technology in local law enforcement investigations.

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    Flock Safety CEO Defends License Plate Cameras Amid Backlash▼Garrett Langley Defends Flock Surveillance Technology Amid Backlash Over License Plate Cameras✉newsTechnology3 d ago

    Garrett Langley, chief executive of surveillance firm Flock Safety, is publicly defending his company's automatic license plate reader technology as criticism of the camera networks grows. The backlash centers on privacy concerns around mass tracking of drivers' movements. Supporters argue the cameras help solve crimes, while critics want stricter limits on data retention and sharing.

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    The CPD has announced a series of public meetings focused on technology and policing. The announcement was reported by CBS19 News. Details about the meeting dates, topics, or locations were not provided in the announcement coverage. The series is intended to address how technology is used in police work, a topic of growing public interest as departments adopt new tools such as surveillance systems and data analysis.

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    St. Johns police use cameras and drones to catch bank robbery suspect▼St. Johns police credit camera technology, drones with tracking down bank robbery suspect✉newsTechnology19 h ago

    Police in St. Johns say camera technology and drones helped them track down a suspect in a bank robbery. The department is highlighting how surveillance tools and aerial support sped up the search and led to an arrest. The case is drawing attention to the growing role of drone and camera systems in local law enforcement work.

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    License plate recognition tech helps charge three in Virginia Beach robbery▼Advanced license plate recognition technology assists in charging three people in Virginia Beach armed robbery investigation✉newsTechnology3 d ago

    Police in Virginia Beach have charged three people in connection with an armed robbery investigation, with help from advanced license plate recognition technology. The automated system allowed investigators to identify leads tied to the suspects, and authorities highlighted the tool's growing role in solving violent crime cases locally.

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    Dutch paper NRC: no place for AI glasses in free society●Dutch newspaper NRC, not particularly left-leaning, in its editorial: ‘There is no place for AI glasses in a free societMmastodonWorldLaw & Courts194 d ago

    Dutch newspaper NRC has published an editorial arguing that AI-powered smart glasses have no place in a free society. The piece, noted by law and privacy researcher Frederik Borgesius, is striking because NRC is not considered a left-leaning outlet, suggesting opposition to always-on camera and AI surveillance devices is crossing political lines. Commentators are sharing the editorial amid ongoing debate over privacy, constant recording in public spaces, and the lack of legal safeguards around wearable AI technology.

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    Smart city technology is spreading across urban centres worldwide, with cities adopting sensors, data platforms and automated systems to manage traffic, energy and public services. The trend has prompted debate over the trade-offs involved, including surveillance concerns, data privacy, high implementation costs and questions about who benefits from these upgrades.

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    Redwire Wins New Orders for Stalker Drones for US National Guard●Redwire Secures Additional Orders to Deliver Stalker Uncrewed Aircraft Systems to US National Guard Redwire CorporationMmastodonWorldDefense048 min ago

    Redwire Corporation, a space and defense technology company listed on the NYSE, announced it has secured additional orders to deliver its Stalker uncrewed aircraft systems to the US National Guard. The small unmanned aircraft, used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, will expand the Guard's fleet, strengthening domestic defense capabilities.

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    AI Fleet Safety Cameras Pose Hidden Liability Risks▼AI Fleet Safety Cameras: The Hidden Liability Risks for Fleets✉newsTechnologyAI7 h ago

    Fleet operators increasingly use AI-powered safety cameras to monitor drivers, but the technology may create new legal exposure. Footage and automated driver-scores can become evidence in litigation, and wrongful-termination or privacy claims may arise from constant surveillance. Industry coverage argues fleets need clearer policies on data retention, driver consent, and how AI findings are used before deploying these systems.

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    HD Hyundai unveils unmanned warship technology in the US with Anduril▼HD Hyundai shows off unmanned warship technology in U.S. with Anduril✉newsTechnology28 min ago

    South Korea's HD Hyundai has presented unmanned warship technology in the United States in partnership with Anduril, the American defense tech firm. The collaboration highlights growing cooperation between Korean shipbuilding and US defense innovation on autonomous naval vessels. The announcement is drawing attention as navies worldwide accelerate interest in unmanned surface ships for surveillance and combat roles.