Home Depot uses Flock ALPR cameras to track you. This information is sold to advertisers, highest bidders, and is given to cops and feds for free. Source
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Post is SO NOT about going to home depot. Not even close. The exact same post would have achieved the same goal with any other name. Have you even glanced at the picture?
If it bothers you so much, use the fucking built in filters. Block me. Do not make it my problem that you are choosing to ignore all of the safeguards put in place by the developers.
You’re making it my problem to block every one of the thousands of people that post off-topic on their grievances in every light hearted thread, so no. I am going to make it your problem, because you’re being annoying and socially inept. I’m sorry that that’s not nice to hear, but I don’t say it to be cruel, only in the hopes of achieving a better outcome for everyone.
Restricting yourself to posting about privacy and politics in threads that are relevant is not a big ask.
The only person being socially inept is the Non-American trying to tell an American that they should not share information of American oppressors with other Americans. The Non-American who went out of their way to call out and use a term that is commonly associated with the neuro-divergent for no reason other than to get a dig in, and make assumptions based on stereotyping.
Sorry buddy, I’m not changing. You are privileged. You are the “White Moderate” that Martin Luther King Jr wrote about in his letter in Birmingham Jail. What you see as an inconvience, others see as life saving information. Again, don’t want to see it? You have the tools to fix it. Use them. You can complain about seeing activism after activism is no longer needed.
America sneezes and the whole world catches a cold - not just because you blow up international trade, but because you see your grievances as the most important thing, so that they are relevant in every situation, so we’ve all got to suffer through your self-absorption.
Do the internet equivalent of wearing a face mask.
I love punching down and downplaying the importance of sharing information.
I will now be using those tools I was talking about. I dont need a privileged baby toddler crying to me about how hard it is to see that someone is trying to spread information that is genuinely useful.
Good job not denying being straight up ablest btw.
Home Depot uses Flock ALPR cameras to track you. This information is sold to advertisers, highest bidders, and is given to cops and feds for free. Source
Sir, this is a shitpost
I guess I boycott home depot now
Honest question: does lowes not do it?
Lowes also does it.
Fuckers.
Unfortunately, unless you’ve got a local mom and pop that only takes cash, you’re not going to find any store where you won’t get tracked.
You could however find a store that does not entertain the notion of purchasing flock AI surveillance cameras.
harm reduction.
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
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.
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.
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.
I find it an extremely response without ensuring what you say is correct. Context matters.
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.
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.
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.
Just out of curiosity I did check
Kroger’s Privacy Policy
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
Quite irrelevant here.
Post is about someone going to home depot. most people are not reading the privacy policy for the shops they go to. I do. I make others aware.
Not sure how a comment about the store the post is about isnt relevant.
Post is SO NOT about going to home depot. Not even close. The exact same post would have achieved the same goal with any other name. Have you even glanced at the picture?
its about ea nasir the ancient scam artist of copper.
title says home depot. relevant. if they had said hardware store, then you would be correct there would be no reason to have posted the comment.
Because nobody cares that people can tell what store they went to for some DIY supplies, and the OP isn’t even lauding the place.
We get it, it’s your special interest. It ain’t ours.
yeah. okay. I’m sure your world view is absolutely the standard and no one ever disagrees with you.
If it bothers you so much, use the fucking built in filters. Block me. Do not make it my problem that you are choosing to ignore all of the safeguards put in place by the developers.
You’re making it my problem to block every one of the thousands of people that post off-topic on their grievances in every light hearted thread, so no. I am going to make it your problem, because you’re being annoying and socially inept. I’m sorry that that’s not nice to hear, but I don’t say it to be cruel, only in the hopes of achieving a better outcome for everyone.
Restricting yourself to posting about privacy and politics in threads that are relevant is not a big ask.
The only person being socially inept is the Non-American trying to tell an American that they should not share information of American oppressors with other Americans. The Non-American who went out of their way to call out and use a term that is commonly associated with the neuro-divergent for no reason other than to get a dig in, and make assumptions based on stereotyping.
Sorry buddy, I’m not changing. You are privileged. You are the “White Moderate” that Martin Luther King Jr wrote about in his letter in Birmingham Jail. What you see as an inconvience, others see as life saving information. Again, don’t want to see it? You have the tools to fix it. Use them. You can complain about seeing activism after activism is no longer needed.
You misspelt slacktivism.
America sneezes and the whole world catches a cold - not just because you blow up international trade, but because you see your grievances as the most important thing, so that they are relevant in every situation, so we’ve all got to suffer through your self-absorption.
Do the internet equivalent of wearing a face mask.
I love punching down and downplaying the importance of sharing information.
I will now be using those tools I was talking about. I dont need a privileged baby toddler crying to me about how hard it is to see that someone is trying to spread information that is genuinely useful.
Good job not denying being straight up ablest btw.
I care.
deleted by creator
it’s the same company, is it not?
seems pretty fucking relevant if so
You didn’t even give a single glance at the picture, did you?
sure did. content of the photo is irrelevant to the comment being made about the content in the title