Ben Snyder

Ben Snyder, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Williams College and author of *Spy Plane: Inside Baltimore’s Surveillance Experiment*, dives into the controversial aerial surveillance program in Baltimore. He discusses how this military-grade technology aimed to track individuals raised significant privacy concerns among the community. Snyder reveals the technological optimism clashing with ethical dilemmas and the eventual legal challenges that deemed the program unconstitutional. The conversation highlights the complex relationship between surveillance, community trust, and the accountability of law enforcement.

In this discussion, Ben Snyder, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Williams College and author of *Spy Plane*, reveals the intricate dynamics of Baltimore's controversial aerial surveillance program. He shares insights from his direct observations within the tech startup running the initiative, illustrating the challenges of balancing public safety with privacy rights. Snyder explores community reactions, the dual nature of surveillance success and failure, and the constitutional implications surrounding the program, shedding light on the broader impacts of surveillance on society.