Flock cameras are the new AI-powered surveillance cameras that everyone hates, and people are making their voices heard in a variety of ways. Some take down Flock cameras across the United States, while others use a free tool to avoid Flock cameras. And then there’s this guy who used the power of satire (and the Force) to express his frustrations.
On August 19, 2026, a man dressed as Darth Vader attended a San Diego Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss his thoughts on Flock cameras. Of course, since the man (real name Roger Ralphs) was dressed as a villain, he played the role as well. His entire speech focused on how much he – and Emperor Palpatine – loves Flock cameras.
Granted, since it’s possible to be too subtle, “Darth Vader” emphasized various documented abilities that people hate about Flock Cameras, but gave them a “positive” spin. For example, he favored Flock cameras that followed children traveling to and from parks, playgrounds, gyms and swimming pools. For what? Because the “rebel scum” also frequent these areas. Luckily, judging by the faces of the people behind Darth Vader in the video, the joke didn’t go over their heads.
The ability to monitor is insignificant compared to the power of ridicule.
While the Flock cameras were Darth Vader’s main target during the meeting, he took many photos of the people he was speaking to. Surveillance cameras are as much of a problem as people approving their installations despite knowing the dangers they pose. After all, it’s not like Flock cameras are sensitive and install themselves like parasites. During his allotted time, Vader put San Diego council members in the crosshairs, including one, Miss Campbell, criticizing their actions and decisions.
All the while, he doesn’t break character. “Darth Vader” encouraged San Diego council members to practice their Jedi tricks and distract from the fact that they banned camping. That and the more homeless people police arrest, the more they can be used as “free prison labor” in the Otay Mesa Detention Center.
Of course, “Darth Vader” made sure to send it all back to the Flock cameras. The Flock cameras will help reveal the location of the hidden rebel base, but the citizens of San Diego do not trust the San Diego Council because members would rather approve invasive Flock cameras than the funds needed to clean the storm drains. That, and it would also require higher taxes, but perhaps the council would have had enough funds for storm drain cleaning if they hadn’t spent money on Flock cameras. Sometimes the message got a little confusing, but for the most part, “Darth Vader” stayed on target.
