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Data-center wars, workplace AI fatigue, legal reckoning for social media...oh, and Big Brother is watching you.
The latest techlash is against Flock Safety, whose AI-enabled license-plate reader cameras have proliferated across the U.S.
Flock has 120,000 cameras in 49 states that capture 20 billion license plates a month-along with dents, bumper stickers and other identifying features, reports Kris Maher. The company says it is giving police a powerful tool to catch criminals. But the same bipartisan public anger that has risen up from towns and cities to stall data centers is now aimed at Flock's spreading camera network.
While courts have ruled license-plate readers don't violate privacy or Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, privacy groups argue laws haven't kept pace with technology and ongoing tracking amounts to an illegal search. Worse, say some critics, is that system vulnerabilities could invite a major infrastructure attack.
Flock CEO Garrett Langley told the Journal that momentum is still with the company and that its audit tools are helping uncover misuse. It recently announced new safeguards and cut how long it retains data.
Lawmakers are now trying to restrict the technology, while a number of towns have said they would stop using the cameras.
Politicians Who Once Championed Data Centers Are Now Bashing Them (Read)
Florida Governor Says Public Is 'Right to Be Concerned' About Flock Cameras (Read)
🎧 Why Flock Cameras Are Facing Backlash (Listen)
🤔 What do you think about Flock cameras and other public-safety surveillance? Send me your thoughts, questions and predictions at future@wsj.com. Include your full name and state, and we might publish your response in a coming edition. (If you're reading this in your inbox, you can just hit reply.)
More of What's Next
Quantum computing is a threat to cybersecurity. The math behind standard encryption will be no match for quantum computers, forcing organizations to rethink cybersecurity. Here's what to know.
The FDA's approval of a drug for pancreatic cancer is a milestone for treatment. For four decades, cancer researchers fought to disable a stubborn mutation that made pancreatic cancer a death sentence-to little avail. Now, doctors have a medicine that targets the mutation.
The Iranian Shahed drone transformed war-with China's help. The proliferation of cheap one-way drones was made possible by a complex global supply chain that keeps leading back to China.
Getting away has surprising mental-health benefits. Forget the staycation. Research reveals that travel can build stress resilience, sharpen cognitive health and ward off depression far better than staying home.
Future Feedback
Two weeks ago, we reported on a growing addiction crisis related to kratom. Readers shared their experiences and thoughts about regulation.
"I'm an addiction medicine specialist and have patients coming in almost weekly with kratom withdrawal. People don't realize it hits the brain like an opioid and causes the same dependencies, withdrawal and use disorders. What's worse is that the legal dealers are using the same tactics as criminals. They tell consumers that it's safe and they give them free samples and next thing they know their entire paycheck is supporting their habits. The supplement industry and the recreational drug cultures overlap in ways people don't see." -Risha Fennell, Illinois
"I've used kratom for pain, for its stimulating effects when I need energy and focus, and as an alternative to drinking alcohol. As a cannabis shop owner, I have also heard countless personal stories from customers who say kratom became part of their effort to move away from street drugs, alcohol or other substances. Kratom is not completely without risk, and responsible use matters. We need education, responsible regulation, proper labeling, testing and age restrictions-not blanket prohibition." -Jana Quintero, New Mexico
"My little brother, Jordan McKibban, died from kratom. So, my thought on kratom is that something strong enough to kill a human shouldn't be sold at gas stations next to Cheetos. I miss him every single day." -Rachel McKibban, Washington
"After multiple unsuccessful back surgeries, I spent a long time taking high-dose prescription pain medications. Eventually, I stopped taking those and began using kratom. I strongly disagree with portraying kratom as though it is simply another dangerous opioid. Kratom has given me an option that does not require repeated doctor's appointments, medical copays, pharmacy costs and continued reliance on powerful prescription opioids. Responsible regulation designed to keep contaminated or adulterated products off the market is very different from banning the kratom plant or taking it away from adults who have found it beneficial." -Greg Lemire, Florida
"I'm a disabled veteran who took 7-OH [aka kratom-derivative] products and became addicted. It was pure hell coming off them. Although it did control pain, had I been more aware of the addiction part I certainly would never ever have taken it in the first place. It took me on a ride I certainly never wanted to be on. Please, please control this highly addictive drug in the future. It kills me to think that children can easily have an adult buy it for them and the addiction doesn't take long believe me" -Cynthia Smith, Massachusetts
(Responses have been condensed and edited.)
Elsewhere in the Future
From back pain to cancer, how the interstitium could transform medicine. (New Scientist)
This is how Anthropic thinks AI agents should navigate the physical world. (Wired)
Some scientists have 'magic hands' in the lab. This AI is learning why. (New York Times)
About Us
Thanks for reading The Future of Everything. We cover the innovation and tech transforming the way we live, work and play. Get in touch with us at future@wsj.com (if you're reading this in your inbox, just hit reply). Got a tip for us? Here's how to submit.
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