Key facts
- Billionaire Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen is facing pushback on his support for surveillance technology from his son.
- Larsen's 19-year-old son expressed opposition to surveillance tools, stating he prefers crime over surveillance.
- Flock Safety, a company whose technology Larsen supports, is facing growing backlash over privacy concerns and misidentification issues.
- Larsen donated $9.4 million to the San Francisco Police Department's Real-Time Investigations Center, which uses Flock's technology.
- San Francisco officials report a significant decline in vehicle thefts since implementing technology including Flock's automated license-plate readers.
- Jurisdictions like Florida, Denver, and Tempe have begun banning or reducing the use of Flock cameras.
Chris Larsen, the billionaire co-founder of Ripple, is facing criticism for his financial backing of surveillance technology, notably from his own 19-year-old son. In an interview on the podcast "On with Kara Swisher," Larsen shared that his son frequently questions his involvement with Flock Safety, a company whose automated license-plate readers and other surveillance tools are being deployed in thousands of communities across the U.S.
Larsen's son reportedly told him, "I'd rather have the crime than the surveillance," a sentiment that contrasts with Larsen's view that such technology helps reduce crime. This familial disagreement mirrors a broader societal debate and growing opposition to widespread surveillance, often referred to as the 'DeFlock movement.' Critics cite privacy concerns and instances of misidentification or misuse of Flock's technology by law enforcement.
Despite the backlash, Larsen donated $9.4 million in 2025 to the San Francisco Police Department's Real-Time Investigations Center, a hub that utilizes automated license-plate readers, drones, and cameras. San Francisco officials have stated that these technologies have contributed to a significant decrease in vehicle thefts. However, jurisdictions like Florida, Denver, and Tempe have recently moved to ban or remove Flock cameras, indicating a shifting public and governmental stance on the issue.