The protest on the street
Details about the size of the crowd and any signs or messages remained unclear, and no arrests were reported. The protesters stood outside Larsen's residence in a neighborhood that is not typically the site of demonstrations, drawing the attention of passersby.
Larsen, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world as co-founder of Ripple, has not publicly commented on the protest as of this writing. His home has become the symbol of a broader movement that opposes the use of automated license plate readers.
Why license plate readers are drawing fire
Automated license plate readers, known as ALPRs, are cameras that capture the license plate of every vehicle that drives within their view. The devices, which are used by police and other agencies, record not only the plate number but the time and location of the scan, creating a digital log of where a vehicle has been.
The technology has been a source of rising concern among privacy advocates, who say the constant collection of location data can be used to track individuals without a warrant. The campaign, which organized the Friday protest, has been targeting the spread of these readers across the country, seeking to limit or restrict their use.
The national campaign
Friday's event in San Francisco was part of a coordinated national effort, with protests occurring in other cities on the same day. The campaign's goal is to pressure elected officials and companies to abandon the use of ALPRs and to raise public awareness about the technology's risks.
The choice of Larsen's home as a target was not explained in the initial reports, but it highlights the ways in which the campaign is using well-known individuals to draw attention to its cause. It is unclear whether Larsen has a direct connection to the use of license plate readers, or whether his home was selected for its visibility.
The protest comes at a time when automated license plate readers are increasingly common on roads, streets and parking lots. As the technology expands, so does the backlash, and the campaign is likely to continue organizing demonstrations in other locations.
No further protests were announced as of Friday, but the campaign has signaled that it will keep up the pressure until it sees a change in policy.
