A group of Home Depot investors led by Zevin Asset Management has asked the retailer to review its relationship with surveillance firm Flock Safety and clarify how data collected in store car parks is used and shared with law enforcement. The shareholder proposal, filed with 17 co-sponsors, follows media reports and rising concern over Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near Home Depot stores.
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Home Depot has drawn attention amid ICE raids because its car parks are commonly used by day labourers seeking work. Worker advocates say this practice is long-established. In response, the company has stated that it "cannot legally interfere" with federal enforcement agencies entering its premises, while adding that it does not provide federal authorities with access to its licence-plate reader data.
Flock Safety's automated cameras are used to monitor parking areas. Investors are seeking an assessment of privacy and civil rights risks, including the potential for discrimination, wrongful detention, data breaches, and non-compliance with evolving state privacy laws.
In a separate letter last September, Zevin urged Home Depot to disclose policies protecting workforce safety and morale, and to ensure its technology partnerships align with recognised human rights and privacy standards. The company's next shareholder meeting is expected in May.
Source: www.cfobrew.com
