Connected Car ruling will come into effect in 2027
Anything with a link to China or Russia is in the spotlight
Volvo has managed to avoid the same fate
North American fans of beautifully minimal Scandinavian design will no longer be able to purchase one of Polestar’s innovative and stylish EVs as of next year, as a new Connected Vehicle Rule can prohibit the sale of items with a “sufficient nexus” to China or Russia in the US.
The final decision falls to the Bureau of Industry and Security, part of the US Department of Commerce, which declined to grant Polestar authorization to sell vehicles in the US from model year 2027, according to Electrek.
The rule, which was instituted during the final days of the Biden administration but kept under the Trump administration, centers around national security concerns, particularly with those brands controlled by, or subject to, the jurisdiction or direction of China or Russia.
Polestar, which has its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, is majority owned by one of the largest automakers in China, Geely Auto, which also happens to own Volvo.
However, its Swedish sibling was granted a waiver in May to continue its sales in the US.
“Companies from these countries may be compelled to share data or allow remote access to connected vehicles in the United States,” the notice of the rule said, according to CNN.
But to add insult to injury, none of the Polestar models that are on sale in North America are assembled in China, with the Polestar 3 built in a Volvo plant in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Polestar 4 built in South Korea.
The company has said that it will keep its 32 US-based dealerships open to continue offering aftercare and support to existing customers, as well as to clear any remaining inventory.
A statement released by the brand said existing Polestar owners and lease customers will “continue to receive the same level of support and access to service as they do today”.
Analysis: Causing more confusion for the EV market
(Image credit: Polestar)
Polestar likely won’t take the ruling to heart, seeing that the majority of its sales come outside of the US anyway, but the Department of Commerce’s decision to ban Polestar and not Volvo remains baffling.
Both brands share much of their basic platform and electrical architecture, while Polestar and Volvo’s infotainment systems are only really discernible by the fonts and graphics they use on-screen.
What’s more, both these brands run Android Automotive Operating Systems and have Google Maps installed natively for navigation, both of which were originally developed by US tech giants.
While the rule appears to have national security at its heart, it also just adds further confusion to a global automotive market that is struggling to keep up with the constantly-moving goalposts, both in terms of shifting emissions rulings and global trade legislation.
The Fitbit Air is getting its first software update
It should fix problems with automatic workout detection
An old Fitbit app workaround is going away
The first software update for the Fitbit Air is rolling out now, and the hope is that it's going to fix one particular bugbear for users — but there's also bad news for those who are still using the older Fitbit app rather than the Google Health replacement.
First up, the update is rolling out now, as reported by 9to5Google, though you might not see it right away: look for a notification inside the Google Health app that an update is ready. As per Google, it contains "bug fixes and general improvements".
There's a bit more detail in a post on the Google Health support forum from last month, suggesting that there are fixes to exercise tracking, split runs, exercise exports, multiple device support, and how the device deals with lost connectivity when tracking.
As noted by Android Authority, one of the most commonly reported problems on the Fitbit Air has been the inaccurate labeling of workouts that are detected automatically — tagging runs as general workouts, for example — and this issue now seems to have been resolved.
While a software update is positive news for Fitbit Air owners, those who have been clinging on to the old Fitbit app on their phones won't be pleased that Google has now closed off a workaround for avoiding the upgrade to Google Health.
As explained by Gadgets & Wearables, some users have been sideloading older versions of the Fitbit app: these older versions don't get automatically replaced by Google Health, so it's a way of sticking with the old app interface and layout.
From July 15 though, these older versions of the Fitbit app are going to stop working. Users will have no choice but to switch to Google Health, which moves around a lot of the key elements on screen and introduces a new AI coach.
Fitbit fans have been complaining loudly about the changes that the Google Health app brings with it, and many are unhappy about being forced to upgrade: "I think I'm going to have to find an alternative to the AI slop," writes one Redditor.
Despite Tesla trademark application, the Megapod concept already exists
Megapod's trademark is owned by someone else
Nvidia and others already dominate this market
Tesla has filed a trademark application for ‘Megapod’ as the company begins to expand beyond electric cars, batteries and solar energy. Already with fingers in the autonomous transportation and humanoid robotics pies with Robotaxi and Optimus, the company is now looking to build modular AI data center infrastructure.
Though the filing is based on an intent-to-use application, meaning that no commercial product is available yet, it describes a self-contained AI computing platform that includes servers, AI hardware, networking equipment, power distribution units, cooling and software.
However, the project and associated trademark application has already hit three big walls – the concept already exists, the ‘Megapod’ trademark is already owned by somebody else, and the market itself is highly crowded with Nvidia, Huawei and others already more established.
Megapod could be related to Megapack
Tesla already uses the ‘Mega’ naming strategy, as evidenced by its Megapack. A battery system that offers a similar commercial proposition to the proposed Megapod, consisting of factory-built complete modules that can be deployed quickly with minimal on-site assembly or construction.
Rather than customers assembling servers, networking, cooling and other infrastructure themselves on-premises, Megapod could arrive as a plug-and-play AI data center, expandable by its modular design.
The news comes around a year after Musk’s company reportedly wound down its Dojo AI training computer project, indicating that it’s no longer gunning for the AI chip market. It now looks like Tesla could be going after more complete physical infrastructure using existing chips, instead.
Mitsubishi already has its own MegaPod, and it possesses a trademark already. And it’s not the first time Musk has faced complications over trademarks, failing to acquire a Robotaxi trademark over it being too generic and facing Cybercab trademark delays after another applicant got in first.
Submer even sells its own MegaPod, described as a data center in a box, adding to the naming complications.
Is there room for Tesla to join the market?
Trademarks aside, if Tesla were to launch a Megapod-type product, it would face stiff competition from established rivals. Nvidia’s DGX and HGX platforms are already commonplace in enterprise deployments, and Huawei has also developed its own solutions based around its Ascend accelerators. Server manufacturers like Dell and HPE also have their own hardware.
However, Tesla could bring its broader experience to the market to entice some customers into its ecosystem. Integration with its Megapack could, for example, give it uninterrupted power supply – xAI has already purchased $1 billion worth of Megapacks. Purchasing power and other internal efficiencies could also keep costs low.
While the company doesn’t really have an existing enterprise customer base, AI startups could be sold on its tech.
Integrated cooling could also be a major selling point, with thermal efficiency now nearly as important as chip performance itself. Nvidia, for example, has already introduced next-generation liquid cooling specifically for its Rubin systems.
As for what’s next, given Musk’s track record and those of his companies, we’re probably more likely to learn about any potential Megapod developments via X posts or surprise launches, rather than blog posts and official announcements.
Over the years, there's been one iPhone app that keeps drawing me back. It’s called GarageBand, and since its iOS release in 2011, it has consistently managed to keep its claws stuck into me. There’s something about being able to generate good-sounding music with just a few loops that keeps me dreaming of being a music creator!
But, as good as GarageBand is, it’s not the only kid on the block, and I’ve recently been wondering what the alternatives are. There’s Splash, WalkBand, and FL Studio Mobile, to name only a few, but I’ve recently landed on BandLab as my favorite GarageBand alternative.
BandLabis a free music-making app and one of the quickest ways to turn ideas into release-ready tracks. It’s feature-rich, comprehensive, and easy-to-use, all with a nifty (albeit ad-heavy) interface, and it's simple and intuitive to use.
Homescreen heroes
This is part of a regular series of articles exploring the apps that we couldn't live without. Read them all here.
The BandLab app has enough depth to deliver professional results while also being playful enough to have that GarageBand experimental feel. And as you’d imagine, there are a host of AI music generation tools to get your teeth stuck into as well. This is 2026 after all!
(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Creating music is a breeze
The first step involves creating music. This can be done by uploading an audio file or adding a track. I started from scratch and laid down a drum beat, which I subsequently edited. Creation and editing tools are fast, intuitive, and easy to find, so even though I was new to BandLab, I was able to find my way around without any problem at all.
From there, I entered Studio mode and started laying down multiple tracks, including voice, drum, bass, and guitar. Each instrument comes with its own interface, but with enough consistency between them to not overcomplicate navigation.
Without any formal training, I was able to add effects, crop clips, and perform auto-pitching. With over 300 sound presets, premade drum kits, and 100K+ loop and layer sounds, I effortlessly created a professional-sounding mix.
If at any time I needed to change the settings of my project, I could do so using the Project Settings tab. It's possible to change the tempo, time signature, and project key. Underneath these, there are the app's studio settings, such as changing the input device, which is your phone by default, or whether or not you want a count-in not.
From there, the library of projects becomes your friend. With it, you can manage albums, bands, playlists, and more. It’s also the easiest way to duplicate tracks for creating multiple edits of the same song.
(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Collaborate and share
One of the best collaboration tools centers around creating music as a band rather than individually. Any project you’ve already created can be assigned to a band, or if you create a new project, then it can be done at the point of creation. Either way, sharing your project lets other band members contribute to the creation process.
With your music created, it’s time to share it. With BandLab, publishing, sharing, and social media tools are built into the very heart of the app experience. Through it, you can easily connect and collaborate with like-minded creators on the BandLab social music platform.
BandLab is much bigger than just your world of music. The Home tab provides access to a vibrant feed of music and videos from other artists. This helped me discover new artists as well as genres of music that I never considered exploring.
(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Go big with BandLab Premium
Getting a BandLab membership unlocks exclusive creation features with AI tools. One premium feature that is well worth the monthly cost is AutoMix, which instantly adjusts a track’s volume and panning for a clean, polished mix. All you have to do is pick a genre, and you get a balanced, polished mix in seconds.
BandLab Pro is available for $180 / £149 per year, or if you want the complete unlocked experience, then you’ll need a BandLab Max membership, which costs $360 / £199 per year.
Download BandLab and get creating on iOS and Android.
I've got quite the varied selection for our first instalment of Scream or Skip, which features a mix of new releases and an indie horror movie I had never heard of until a few days ago.
Scream or Skip
Scream or Skip, that is the question. With so much horror out there to watch and play, our senior entertainment writer, Lucy Buglass, is here to help you decide what's worth your time (or worth a Scream) and what's not (and so worth a Skip). Her goal is to help you beat the endless scrolling and spend more time enjoying some great TV shows, movies, and games. Read the full series here.
Thanks to my social media algorithms being full of horror content, it's never hard for me to discover new things. This month, we have a bit of a water-based theme going on, as two out of my three picks are set there, and the third comes from nautical beginnings.
But they couldn't be more different, ranging from a disturbing coming-of-age story at a lake to a Lovecraftian-style nightmare. There's been a lot of discussion about all three of these, but what did I think of them?
Read on to find out more about my three horror picks across streaming and gaming in June.
TV - The Terror: Devil in Silver
Where to watch: AMC+ (US only for now) Lucy's verdict: Skip
The Terror: Devil in Silver is the newest installment in the AMC+ horror anthology series, and unfortunately, it has taken a nosedive in quality after the first two seasons. If you take anything away from this, it would be that I recommend you check out 2019's The Terror because it is still the best out of the three stories and is widely available to stream, unlike Devil in Silver, which is currently US-only.
For Devil in Silver, we're in an entirely new setting, moving from a cursed ship at sea to a psychiatric hospital. Here, Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens plays Pepper, who has wrongly been committed there, and begins to experience supernatural events whilst trying to prove he should be freed.
There's no denying the performances are great, both from Stevens and Judith Light, who plays Dorry, a fellow hospital resident. But the series does unfortunately suffer from pacing issues and a lack of genuine scares, meaning it pales in comparison to the original The Terror series. It might be a good pick for those who like a slow burn, but it seems to stand out when compared to the others in the anthology for the wrong reasons.
Movie - Mean Creek
Where to watch: Paramount+ (US); rent or buy (UK, AU) Lucy's verdict: Scream
Mean Creek is a 2004 movie that completely fell under the radar for me. I'd never heard of it until I stumbled across this TikTok video. I was immediately intrigued by the premise, and I must say, I'm glad I watched it. It's billed as a "dark coming of age story" and is very psychological in its approach to horror, so expect a lot of dread and harrowing scenes rather than jumpy moments.
Josh Peck has comfortably moved away from comedy in recent years, and here he plays school bully George, who has terrorized his peers for too long. They decide enough is enough, so they invite George to a fake birthday party at a lake, where they decide to play a prank on him, which involves throwing him overboard during a boating trip.
Inevitably, things go wrong, and this movie examines the consequences of that. It is bleak, realistic, and will linger for a while, and it has been widely praised by horror fans as a result. What goes down is truly horrific, and I'm glad I gave this a go. It is worth the rental price in the UK and Australia, too.
Game - The Sinking City
Where to play: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Lucy's verdict: Scream
There are a lot of Lovecraftian horror games out there; it can be hard to know where to start. The Sinking City 2 releases in August this year, so I wanted to take a look at the first game to see how it holds up.
The Sinking City was released in 2019 and is a survival horror RPG. Here, a half-submerged city is gripped by supernatural forces. You play a private investigator, and you have to uncover the truth of what has possessed the city and the minds of its inhabitants.
I had a great time playing this, and I'm now keen to check out the sequel. You can explore The Sinking City by boat, on foot, and in a diving suit if you're brave enough to swim down into the depths. There's plenty to uncover and lots of fun creature design, and there are multiple endings to explore based on your decisions. This game is also widely available across platforms, which is just another bonus.
VPNs offer features and tools to boost your video streaming performance, and some of those are particularly handy for the World Cup.
Anyone using a VPN to get around local broadcast restrictions might still encounter problems if the free World Cup streaming service they're trying to use is blocking access from the IP address that their VPN server has issued.
That can happen before you try to stream or even part way through the match itself. Either way, that's a pain and, with some VPNs, that means disconnecting from the server and then trying out a bunch of others until you identify one that works, but some VPN providers can save you the hassle.
We particularly like the technology that Norton VPN has introduced in time for the 2026 World Cup. It's called Manual IP Rotation and it allows you to ‘rotate’ your VPN’s IP address to another location within the same country, without interrupting the encrypted tunnel you’re streaming through.
Put simply, it’s a one-button solution to streaming services blocking your VPN’s IP. The idea is that you connect once and then never have your World Cup stream interrupted again.
Norton has a 60-day money-back guarantee, so even if you still find that it doesn't work for your needs, you can just get a refund. But do try it out before kick-off just in case, please.
Watch your World Cup stream uninterrupted. Norton VPN delivers fast, secure connections, thanks to Manual IP rotation, with servers available around the world, so you can stream from anywhere.
Thanks to its World Cup deal, you can now get Norton VPN Plus for the same price as the Standard plan. That means you get AI-powered scam detection and a password manager effectively for free.
Additional features include:
🛡️ Cover up to 5 devices 🔓 Unlock World Cup streams ⚡ 1010 Mbps download speeds
Norton VPN also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee — double the industry standard.View Deal
In terms of the competition, Surfshark is our pick for the best cheap VPN service and comes with its own IP rotation system thanks its Nexus technology, which connects all of its VPN servers together in one network.
And if your streaming service has a specific server on lockdown, NordVPN’s massive network of servers could offer a working alternative.
I've tested more than 20 chargers here at TechRadar, including everything from small-sized power banks through to gigantic 500W towers, and while many have impressed me greatly with their strong performance and ingenious designs, some have been...less easy to recommend.
There are a lot of underwhelming models out there that won't give you fast charging, have a poor line-up of ports, or break much faster than you'd hope. And so, I want to make sure you can get yourself a charger that's speedy, reliable, well-made — and most importantly, great value for money.
Of all the chargers I've tested, there are 4 that I've come to rely on above all others. I've collected them all together and placed them into this list, so you can copy my charging loadout and wave goodbye to poor performance. Spoiler alert: these are all Anker and UGreen models, which will be of little surprise to many — these two brands are building chargers with an unbelievable power-to-scale ratio, impressive temperature-regulating tech, and flashy looks.
But anyway, you must be curious what models made the cut by now, so let's dive right into my top picks!
1. UGreen Uno Charger 100W
(Image credit: Future)
You saw the robot in that lead image, didn't you. And I bet it sparked your interest, right? Of course it did. And it should, because the UGreen Uno Charger 100W isn't just my favorite charger I've ever tested, it's also the one I've used the most.
In my five-star review, I raved about this charger's quirky robo-shaped design, its incredible performance, high power, and practical build. 100W is enough for me to charge my MacBook Air M4 or high-speed charge my Xiaomi 17 phone. It even shows quirky emotions while I charge, which makes something typically monotonous feel kinda fun.
Despite putting this model through the wringer for over a year and a half, it hasn't shown any signs of slowing down, any wear or tear, or given me any reason to want an upgrade. It's genuinely exceptional, and if you're going to buy one charger on this list, I'd suggest making it this one.
2. Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN)
(Image credit: Future)
The Anker Prime Charger 200W has been a stalwart of my desk for quite some time now, and I think I'd struggle to keep my workspace organized without it.
This desktop charger really does have it all. It's got a mega 200W maximum power output, four USB-C and two USB-A ports, and tech that protects against overheating and other nasty malfunctions. It's easily mighty enough to recharge a power-starved laptop and phone simultaneously, and you can probably throw in a few small devices, like an Apple Watch or wireless earbuds for good measure, as well.
What I really love about this device, though, is that it keeps everything in order. I don't need to plug loads of chargers in to keep my (many) devices — I can just plug this into the mains, connect everything I need up, and get seamless and clutter-free results. Another thing to highlight is this device's premium look and durable build — mine still looks like new after almost two years. Not bad for a model you can sometimes find on sale for less than $60 / £55.
3. UGreen MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh Qi2 25W
In a way, this device is a lot more versatile than I first thought. On the face of it, you think: wireless charger with retractable cable to recharge the power bank, simple. But I've been using it a little differently. See, the charger is capable of recharging while juicing up other devices, which actually makes it a surprisingly effective multi-device charger when you're on the go.
If I'm on the move, I plug the power bank's retractable cable in, charge my wireless earbuds on the wireless pad, and use the charger's additional USB-C port to give my phone or Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones a bit of extra life. Of course, it works great as a basic wireless charger too, especially with its 25W Qi2 compatibility and handy display, but it really feels like the Swiss Army Knife of the charging world.
4. Anker Nano Power Bank 10K 45W
(Image credit: Future)
If I'm out and about, then this Anker power bank is my go-to every time. It's a small yet mighty power bank that's ideal for juicing up your phone on flights or roadtrips, and thanks to its 45W power, it's perfectly capable of fast-charging a lot of modern handsets.
In my Anker Nano 10K 45W Power Bank review, I described the model as a "highly practical" and "well-designed" option, highlighting its durable and handy built-in charging cord, as well as its neat display and versatile ports. And I enjoyed using it so much that I even added it to my personal charging arsenal.
The 10,000mAh capacity means that this model isn't as well optimized for charging laptops or the most demanding devices, but if you just need something for your phone, wireless earbuds, or other small devices, then it's a top-tier option.
Bonus: UGreen 240W USB-C Cable
I've used the UGreen 240W USB-C Cable for almost every one of my phone and laptop charger reviews, and it's never let me down. I regularly pair it with my UGreen Uno Charger 100W to juice up my laptop or Xiaomi phone, and it's a top performer. And even after almost two years of use, I've not noticed any wear or reduction in charging speeds.
The cable is well over 6ft long, which is really useful for me when I want to charge my phone, but also scroll while at my desk...or in bed. It's made of a pleasingly flexible yet durable material, too, so you won't have to worry much about breakage.
Although I've not done a standalone review of the cable, it gets my full recommendation, and you can purchase it at Amazon US or over on Amazon UK if you live on my side of the pond.
Given that I review audio gadgets for a living, I tend to hoard headphones the way most people collect loose change. But there's only one pair I rely on literally every day: the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, which is why I was pleased to see they've gotten an awesome discount this Prime Day.
As reviews editor at TechRadar, I've used a ludicrous number of headphones over the years, from the absurdly premium Focal Clear MG to budget bangers like the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100. But there's only one pair that I come back to again and again, that have earned their place as my trusty workhorse when other headphones can't quite fit the bill: the Px7 S3.
So if you're looking to get superb audio without having to pay a premium for it, I definitely think you should check out this deal.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are a drop-dead gorgeous pair of ANC headphones that sound better than just about every rival in their price class. With impeccable design, a fleshed-out feature set, and aptX Adaptive higher-res Bluetooth streaming, they're a wonderful premium pick.View Deal
Part of what makes the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 such a fantastic-sounding pair of headphones is their staggering precision. Not only does their soundstage feel crisp and detailed, but their instrument separation particularly makes them stand out, especially at this price.View Deal
Honestly, this discount makes these headphones a valid contender for some of the best headphones out there. There's a reason we gave them 5 stars in our Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review after all.
The main reason I love the Px7 S3 for everyday use is that I can count on them to punch way above their weight in terms of sonic quality. Thanks to their aptX Lossless connectivity, they're able to stream music at what is essentially CD quality, while the soundstage they offer up feels precise yet spacious. Without spending a significant chunk more, you won't get more deft sound than this.
I also love how faithful their sound is. While I'll admit they don't offer the same driving bass as headphones like the much spendier AirPods Max 2, they also don't neglect some frequencies just to emphasize others, a shortcut many mid-range and budget cans take advantage of. They're faithful enough that I happily trust them for everyday music production, which is not something I can say about a lot of Bluetooth headphones.
And with this massive discount, I'd honestly say you can't lose with the Px7 S3.
Finally! EcoFlow has dropped the Prime Day price on our top-rated portable power station. It's not often that I refresh a page watch the price change before my eyes. But that's what just happened with the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus, now $570 (was $899) at Amazon.
Seconds before then, it was sitting at a not unreasonable $700. One refresh later, and it's dropped even further in the Amazon sale. It's also discounted in the UK, where the Delta 3 Plus is now £549 (was £699).
The Delta 3 Plus is a 1024Wh power station that scored the full 5 stars in our review, where we praised it as offering "a balanced combination of power, portability, and versatility."
Earning top marks in our tests, we awarded this portable power station an Editor's Choice badge thanks to its compact design, versatile charging options, and robust performance. ★★★★★View Deal
Also consider: More Prime Day portable power station deals
I recommend this one for camping this summer - it's practically built for it. In our review, it also earned top marks, making it one of the best of its class. ★★★★★View Deal
My top budget power station overall. In our review, we the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 was a "spectacular option" when you need to quickly top up your devices. View Deal
The Jackery Explorer 2000 V2 is a high-capacity unit with a versatile output for devices and appliances. In our review, we found it "excellent for most home uses." ★★★★☆View Deal
This Anker power station is the definition of portable, straddling the line like an oversized power bank. Good for when you need to power devices on the move or when camping.View Deal
They say you need to own at least 1,000 to constitute a home library, and while I love a compelling novel as much as the next bookworm, finding the space is tricky — but that's why we have the Amazon Kindle, a budget-friendly e-reader that just got even cheaper this Amazon Prime Day.
I've always enjoyed physical books, simply because nothing quite beats the feeling of achievement you feel at the close of the final page. I have a summer getaway coming up, and reading by the poolside or at the beach is one of the best forms of relaxation.
Prime Day discounts on the 2024 Kindle don't come as generous as they do during Black Friday, but you won't come across a better deal at any other time of year. For Amazon's most recent standard version Kindle, $85 isn't the worst price for an e-reader that covers the basics, but it has been cheaper in the past. View Deal
Likewise with Amazon UK, the 2024 Kindle generally gets a better deal at Black Friday, but Prime Day is a very close second. Given it's £55 cheaper than the Paperwhite, this is clearly a better pick for the infrequent reader who's after a more budget-friendly option.View Deal
Amazon has some of the best e-readers out there, and they range from basic models to more advanced ones like the Kindle Scribe which are designed for note-taking and productivity. But they're often very pricey, even after a Prime Day discount is applied.
The 2024 Kindle is our best budget e-reader even when it's not Prime Day, and it's an ideal model if you're only after reading tools and not the bells and whistles of its Scribe sibling. This model is also not a bulky device that's going to take up loads of room when on the move (it has an easy-to-read 6-inch screen).
Additionally, many previous-generation Kindle owners may not be too thrilled with Amazon's recent decisions to axe support for older devices, even though you're still using them despite their declining functionality. If an upgrade is what you're looking for, we believe the performance alone will be worth your while.
ALPR (Automated License Plate Recognition) camera tech is getting smarter
A new company is bridging the gap between cameras and connected tech
Tools to avoid ALPR cameras are rapidly gaining popularity
More than 5,000 law enforcement departments across the US use Flock Safety cameras to track billions of license plates every month, according to a report from NBC news, helping them build an enormous database of the movements of everyday people.
But Flock is just one company working on such tech, with hundreds of new automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras and devices springing up daily.
More recently, 404Media has highlighted a new tech firm that aims to add phone, AirPod and Smartwatch location data to license plate readers in order to build a clearer picture about who was driving what… and when. Understandably, rebellious drivers are now fighting back thanks to a new website called DeFlock.
Leonardo's SignalTrace system is designed to scan the airwaves for signals left by myriad Bluetooth and wireless connected devices in order to link these to a license plate as it passes, potentially placing an individual in a vehicle at a specific time and place.
Leonardo says its technology uses "non-intrusive intelligence gathering" to detect publicly broadcasted device identifiers, feeding this data into an advanced algorithm so that multiple devices traveling together could link an individual to a vehicle and vice versa.
The police and other law enforcement agencies are then able to access this data, but concerns have been raised about the potential for hacking or misuse by the authorities to track personal relations.
Analysis: Privacy advocates are pushing back
(Image credit: Deflock.org)
In a move that aims to hand back some control to the individual, a website called DeFlock has surfaced that allows anyone to plan routes that actively avoid Flock’s ALPR cameras altogether and generally provide a more privacy-focussed alternative.
Just like most digital route-planners, users plug in a start and end point for their journey, changing how aggressively they want the software to avoid cameras, according to Carscoops.
The site will then compare a normal route to the more private alternative, suggesting how many miles and minutes a detour would take.
Website user numbers are on the increase, as organizations, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have warned that Flock’s surveillance camera systems are designed to enable “mass surveillance” and are susceptible to “grave abuses”, according to its own investigations.
Last year, the EFF reported on how more than 50 federal, state, and local agencies ran hundreds of searches through Flock's national network of surveillance data in connection with protest activity over a ten-month period, for example.
With news that ALPR cameras could soon be linked to connected devices, some sectors of the general public are understandably concerned, with one Reddit user commenting: “the only hope for anything is a Digital Civil Rights movement”.
