Flock Safety cameras follow pedestrians, researcher says

Flock Safety claims its cameras do not track people. Company training videos show a different reality. Police officers use the system to monitor suspects from one location to the next. Some camera models are built to follow pedestrians as they walk. The company uses artificial intelligence to zoom in on individuals. It does this whether or not a person is a suspect.

Benn Jordan, a security researcher, found the gap between marketing and function. He discovered dozens of Flock Safety cameras streaming openly online. Jordan noted that the AI follows people around. He said the system does this regardless of if a person is of interest. The finding highlights how easily private data can become public in a surveillance-heavy environment.

The issue stems from a growing number of cameras that capture vehicle and pedestrian information. Privacy concerns have risen as these tools multiply. Misuse of the technology is becoming a focal point for investigators and citizens alike. Jordan is part of a group tracking every police camera in the country. He aims to map the extent of this surveillance network.

In a separate story, four-legged companions are aiding military veterans. Service animals are providing support to service members. One such veteran is James Poggi. He served in the Marine Corps in aviation. His service led to five back surgeries and a below-the-knee amputation. His wife, who is also his caregiver, suggested a service dog to help with the emotional toll.

Meanwhile, diabetes remains a major health challenge. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It is also the primary cause of kidney disease. An estimated 40 million people in the country live with the condition. Doctors report that the South, including North Carolina, is hit especially hard despite decades of prevention education and treatment breakthroughs.

In the arts, the barbershop quartet Southern Tradition continues to perform. The group has been active since 1999. The four members hold different careers but create a unified sound. Karl Hansen, a member of the group, described the main attribute of a singer. He said it is to not be embarrassed and just keep going. The quartet forges friendships through this traditional American art form.