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Comment on IYKYK

You’re mixing a real issue with a bunch of claims you can’t back up.

Yes, Home Depot uses Flock ALPR cameras. That part is true. They scan license plates and log vehicles in parking lots. And yes, that data can be shared with local law enforcement. That’s all documented.

But “tracking you” like some kind of live surveillance grid? Not really. It’s point-in-time plate reads. It can be aggregated into movement patterns, which is where the privacy concern actually exists, but that’s not the same thing as constant tracking.

Now the bigger problem, where are you getting that they “sell the data to advertisers or highest bidders”? There’s no credible reporting supporting that. Flock’s entire business model is selling the system and access, not dumping raw data on the open market. If you have a source, post it.

Same with “given to cops and feds for free.” It’s not that simple. Local police can access or integrate with these systems, sure. And federal agencies might get data indirectly through them. But that’s very different from Home Depot just handing it out freely to anyone with a badge.

So yeah, there’s a legitimate surveillance concern here. But when you start throwing in unsupported claims, it just weakens the argument. If you’ve got actual sources for the “advertisers” or “highest bidders” part, let’s see them. Otherwise, you’re overstating it.

What the privacy statement actually says

Where Do We Collect It From?

Directly from you or the devices you use to access digital services, such as websites, mobile applications, and applications for connected devices.

Other customers that may provide us with your information to recommend a product or service, ship products to you, or list you as a recipient of products or services.

Companies that provide services on our behalf (e.g., installers and others that may communicate with you about products or projects).

Security and fraud prevention services that help us confirm that transactions are valid and otherwise help us protect our assets and you.

Marketing companies that help us learn about our customers and the devices they use to access digital content.

Companies that supplement our customer records with additional information.

Shipping providers that update address information.

Social media platforms.

Advertising companies and content publishers that present you with our ads.

Payment and transaction processors.

Communications and mailing vendors.

The signals emitted by your mobile devices when you travel through our stores

I don’t like you or what you do. I’ve seen your posts before, and you keep making declarative claims backed by weak sources that don’t actually explain anything. On top of that, you’re clearly making things up and framing it as some grand conspiracy about people being tracked.

Yes, tracking exists to a degree, but you strip out all nuance and turn it into fear-mongering. It’s not useful, it’s not informative, and it’s not a service to anyone. Just stop.

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DLS@lemmy.world ⁨8⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
If you scroll down on the privacy and security policy, there is a section that says they record you with audio and video while you are in their stores and parking lots and provide that to advertisers, partners, subsidiaries, and law enforcement. Your reaction to the original commenter feels a little extreme.

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- mechoman444@lemmy.world ⁨6⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  In addition to my first comment response.
  
  What you’re calling “extreme” is simply direct pushback without the usual padding people have come to expect. That padding, hedging, soft language, pretending both sides might have a point, is exactly why misinformation keeps spreading unchecked. It creates the illusion that facts are negotiable.
  
  Now, if the goal is to gently reassure everyone and avoid discomfort, then yes, a softer tone would be more appropriate. But that approach routinely fails to correct anything. It prioritizes feelings over accuracy.
  
  If the goal is to actually challenge bad information in a way that’s unambiguous and difficult to misinterpret, then a firmer tone is not only justified, it’s necessary. You don’t have to like the delivery. But dismissing it as “extreme” avoids engaging with the actual issue, whether the claim being challenged holds up. If it doesn’t, then tone becomes a secondary concern.
  
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  - DLS@lemmy.world ⁨4⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
    I find it an extremely response without ensuring what you say is correct. Context matters.
    
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    mechoman444@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨hour⁩ ago
    The reason I responded at all was because I looked up what he was talking about because anytime someone makes a wild claim supported by a poor source it tends to raise a few red flags.
    
    I don’t mince words and I don’t play it soft.
    
    It is a clear sign of the times when clear pushback on a wild ass claim is met with “your comment is so extreme.” It should be so as to ensure the validity of what I’m trying to say.
    
    If there was more “extreme” out there my country wouldn’t be the utter maga shit hole it is now.
    
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- mechoman444@lemmy.world ⁨8⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  Every single retail store in the known first world does this. They have cameras in their stores that record video and audio. They collate data about sales and if you have an account they’ll link it to your name.
  
  I don’t know what part of the world you’re from but here in the states we have a chain called Kroger and if you want discounts you got to put your phone number into their system. That tracks everything that you do for marketing purposes.
  
  This has been going on since the dawn of retail.
  
  What the person above is describing isn’t that.
  
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  - DLS@lemmy.world ⁨4⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
    I have not read Krogers security and privacy policy, but if Kroger was recording me without my consent and providing that to advertisers I would like to know. So I appreciate the initial commenter bringing this to our attention. Also even if this behavior is prevalent, I don’t think it should be dismissed.
    
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    Turret3857@infosec.pub ⁨3⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
    Just out of curiosity I did check
    
    Kroger’s Privacy Policy
    
    in select Texas stores we may collect biometric information such as a facial recognition data, when you enter our stores for security purposes, to protect the health and safety of our customers and associates, and to prevent, investigate, and prosecute shoplifting, fraud, and other criminal activities. We provide notice at the point of entry in locations where we collect biometric information.
    
    So, only in Texas and theyre supposedly not trying to hide it ? at least for facial recognition. ALPR isn’t specifically mentioned in Kroger’s privacy policy, although this line implies it’s not entirely off the table
    
    Sensory data such as CCTV recordings from our facilities or premises or photos. Some of our cameras may capture license plate data for security purposes, to protect the health and safety of our customers and associates, and to prevent, investigate, and prosecute shoplifting, fraud, and other criminal activities. We may record your voice when you contact our customer service centers.
    
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