Group protests outside SF cryptocurrency billionaire's home over Flock cameras, surveillance use

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Demonstrators rallied in San Francisco on Friday as part of a national week of action against automated license plate readers, calling for cities to cancel contracts with Flock Safety and remove surveillance cameras.

Members of the Sunrise Movement, a youth climate group, gathered outside the home of cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen, criticizing his support for surveillance technology and arguing that public safety resources should be directed elsewhere.

Protesters distributed brightly colored flyers pointing to Flock Safety cameras and encouraging residents to take action.

"There's not much evidence that flock cameras significantly impact crime rates," said Luc Bouchard, an organizer with Sunrise Movement Bay Area.

The group also displayed a mock surveillance camera bearing the message, "Does this make you feel safer, Chris?"

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According to Bouchard, the protest was directed at Larsen, CEO of Ripple, because of his financial support for surveillance initiatives in San Francisco.

"Chris Larsen is a cryptocurrency billionaire who has invested more than any tech billionaire in the tech surveillance system in San Francisco," Bouchard said.