In early 2025, police-surveillance technology companies Axon and Flock ended their cooperative relationship amidst expanding their law enforcement products, including licence plate readers, drones, and artificial intelligence capabilities. Both firms aim to become the primary provider of an operating system for police departments to collect, control, and analyse data across law enforcement operations. This shift grants private companies substantial access to sensitive police data covering millions of Americans. A 14-page white paper co-authored by Lauren Yu outlines the history and risks of this police-corporate entanglement while presenting options for policymakers to address the corporatisation of policing.

Background: Surveillance and Smart Cities

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