Topic: Streetlights

A controversial contract in San Diego allowed General Electric to install cameras and microphones on 3,000 streetlights. The agreement reportedly grants GE ownership of the collected data with no restrictions on its use, including the potential to sell personal information to private companies or Wall Street. Local officials are now facing pressure to halt the program due to civil rights concerns.

San Diego's "smart streetlight" program, originally pitched as an energy-saving LED initiative, is revealed to be a massive sensor platform with 3,000 cameras. While police claim the footage is only used for serious crimes, watchdog groups are suing for access to the data being shared with federal agencies like the FBI.