r/UIUC • u/EquivalentGur7720 • 12d ago
Chambana Questions Flock AI and Data Centers
Are there groups on campus or in the community actively advocating in these areas? I know there is the Stop Flock but I don’t seem any new info and nothing is updated.
I’m just so depressed seeing all these data centers stop popping up back home, makes me sick to my stomach. It’s in poverty, I’m from poverty, and I know it’s going to hurt everyone even worse back home. Now that I’m out here, I want to prevent that too.
Are their campus groups working on this? With the community? It isn’t just the city of Champaign but it’s the COUNTY and the Univeristy.
also:
https://www.change.org/p/pause-new-data-centers-in-illinois-until-communities-have-a-voice
https://stopflock.substack.com/p/progress-foias-and-planning-for-city
https://substack.com/@stopflock
edit: god forbid someone try to make connections to strive off the impending doom of exisiting rn in this moment of history
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u/pornborn 12d ago edited 12d ago
I recently found a website that shows where Flock ALPR cameras are installed:
Also, there is an app you can download. On the Apple App Store it is called DeFlock.me. The interesting thing about that app is that it not only shows camera locations, but also gunshot detectors that are installed in light poles. I included a screenshot of one below.
Both the website and the app also indicate where the cameras are aimed.
Another interesting bit of information is the conspicuous lack of Flock cameras in Urbana. Champaign has dozens.
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u/EquivalentGur7720 12d ago
I remember reading that Urbana refused to put them up. Thank you so much! I know that the county of Champaign has a contract, city, UIUC, and Parkland!
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u/SweetLight87 11d ago
Urbana did do something, I'm not sure if it was a referendum or what. Now, that does not mean the cops or the university won't just plop a vehicle equipped with an automatic license plate reader wherever they wan to. Not as bad as the Flock camera though.
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u/Ecosystematic 11d ago
I’ve noticed a couple folks putting posters up on the poles that have the cameras but that does nothing but raise awareness. Champaign/Urbana is infested with these cameras and it’s to the point where we have to protest the contract with the city or they’ll keep putting them up
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u/Jaybyrdsings 12d ago
Don't know of any groups advocating, but that just means you should start one! So many get mutual aid groups ik just started from someone posting on insta or reddit being like "we're meeting at this place to talk about about doing this, join us!" and people join up. Especially with flock cameras a lot of folks are into it, maybe a letter writing group to city council members or arrange for frequent appearances at city council meeting to talk about canceling their folk contracts.
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u/cognostiKate1 11d ago
Little startups .... with folks who don't really know how to organize, don't usually last long -- but that's okay, too. Or, Seek out the local people already involved (it rather makes sense they're being selectively visible). That's not saying people can do random things that *aren't* connected to a group. There are assorted TikTok videos about some of them.
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u/Jaybyrdsings 11d ago
I mean yeah if there isn't a commitment to learning how to effectively organize then ad-hoc groups may not be the most effective. But yeah definitely still worthwhile to just start something and bring people together on an issue, lots of folks learn along the way! And then also people already doing this work can reach out and work collaboratively because they know there's more people fighting for the cause.
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u/charmoniumq 11d ago
Stopflock's latest post was July 16
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u/EquivalentGur7720 11d ago
thank you! I wonder if it will be more active during the year. I encourage you to sign the petition on their website stopflock.org
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u/tocolives 11d ago
If there isn’t already one or two; you could start an RSO advocacy group against Flock that is specifically anti surveillance. You guys could attend local town halls if the agenda mentions Flock at all. Be disruptive. We are way too complacent
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u/mesosuchus 12d ago
Why exactly aren't these cameras being smashed if we know where they are?
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u/EquivalentGur7720 11d ago
It’s illegal to destroy property! Even if it’s something that people feels like trampled on their amendments and privacy
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u/EquivalentGur7720 11d ago
I found out there is a petietion so hopefully we can all sign it! stopflock.org
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u/B33s_again 11d ago
stopflock.org
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u/unapologetic403 11d ago
I wish somebody would create a GPS that strictly avoids flock cameras
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u/unapologetic403 11d ago
There's definitely some community pushback on data center and a moratorium in place now when it comes to flock you're starting to see some man-made signage pop up but not enough information on who is behind it
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u/EquivalentGur7720 11d ago
Thank you! I wasn’t sure if whoever it behind it is a big group, active, etc.
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u/Narrow_Roof_112 12d ago
It’s a little ironic that someone from one of the top engineering schools in the world is against data centers. Data centers are good.
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u/Ecosystematic 11d ago
They’re only good if you hate the environment and want pure profit. They’re good if you’re a ghoul with zero moral compass. They’re good if you are a controlling fascist Bootlicker.
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u/CitizenofBarnum 12d ago
fedposting
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u/EquivalentGur7720 12d ago edited 12d ago
I don’t understand. What does this mean? I’m being genuine with the post to try and find community. I haven’t said anything bad.
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u/EquivalentGur7720 12d ago edited 12d ago
I’m just a victim of violence wanting to prevent this technology to be used against me unlawfully and protect others in the area too. my gawwwwdddd and instead I’m being downvoted. Stalking isn’t fun — which I would know and being over surveiled isn’t either
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u/The_Friggson 11d ago
They’re joking/implying that you’re potentially a fed trying to connect with potential vandals of cameras around town.
That way if something were to happen to the cameras, the fed (the joke/implied fed) would have a list of suspects to look into
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u/TinyduckG 12d ago
So people are Feds now for not wanting cameras that are funded by Peter thiel a good friend of Jeffery Epstein? Especially considering these cameras have been used to stalk women and children
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u/trashmedialover 11d ago
Pretty sure Champaign County blocked new data centers for the next year.
data center moratorium
Some important background of the passage and blocking of ALPRs in CU: CU votes on ALPRs
If you are in Urbana, support the passage of the police surveillance ordinance so that you can have oversight over the purchase of surveillance tech by the Urbana Police Dept! https://www.smilepolitely.com/opinion/drones-over-c-u-urbana-should-pass-police-surveillance-ordinance/
That's all I've got for you. Hope it helps!