A Darth Vader costume, a poem, and droning noise: Americans get creative to protest Flock cameras and data centers

A Flock Safety license-plate reader camera.

Jen Golbeck/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Americans are rallying against data centers and license-plate reader cameras at local city council meetings.

Some are trying unconventional methods to make their point, such as wearing Darth Vader and Dr.

Doom costumes.

A protestor disrupted a public meeting in Kentucky this week by playing a noise they likened to a data center.

Darth Vader traveled from a galaxy far, far away to California last month to discuss a topic dear to his heart: Flock's license-plate reader cameras .

During a San Diego public-safety committee meeting, a resident approached the podium wearing the "Star Wars" villain's trademark costume and applauded local officials' decision to allow Flock's cameras across the city.

"The Emperor is a fan of Flock," the man said during his speech.

"We must continue utilizing Flock technologies so that we can follow and surveil the rebel scum." A man dressed as Darth Vader satirically endorsed Flock cameras at a San Diego public safety meeting in August.

Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee The satirical performance — a far cry from traditional picket lines and protest signs — is just one of several unconventional ways Americans are protesting surveillance technology in front of local leaders.

Founded in 2017, Flock Safety has deployed around 120,000 license plate reader cameras in communities across the US.

They've become a popular tool for law enforcement , who can use them to track down suspects or vehicles.

Police say they're often valuable in solving cases.

The technology has sparked a growing backlash , however.