Law Enforcement Locates Real-Time Tracker on Marketing Mailer

Drone media sources report that Skydio, a US-based drone manufacturer, recently mailed out video brochures to advertise its first-responder capabilities. From the outside, it looked like a pretty eye-catching way to show off DFR applications. The alleged location trackers inside, however, told a different story.

The mailers feature MARC Media’s 5G interactive video display with pause/play, volume, and skip buttons. They were shipped to law enforcement stakeholders nationwide to highlight the importance of Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs. It was a smart move, considering that video brochure mailers typically boast an open rate of nearly 95%.

After receiving the mailers, law enforcement agencies quickly became skeptical of the technology behind the screens. That’s when people realized that MARC Media devices collect data on opens, interactions, durations, and locations via cell towers. While cell towers aren’t the most precise method of location tracking, they provide enough information to show movement patterns and engagement.

The data tracking is a concerning violation, especially for a marketing campaign that specifically targets law enforcement agencies. It becomes even more ironic considering that Skydio practically built its company on hate towards Chinese drone manufacturer DJI for its alleged privacy and security risks.

“Skydio’s use of this brochure is surprising to me due to their stance on data security and calls into question their seriousness on that topic or is it just rhetoric to advance their own brand,” stated a law enforcement stakeholder. “I received two mailers and neither explained or warned of the tracking capabilities.”

With its reputation for privacy and security tarnished, Skydio doesn’t seem to have much left to offer. Its X2 model is priced at $10,999, which is significantly more expensive than DJI’s $6,999 for the Matrice 30. The drone is also faulted for its night and range limitations.

Skydio has yet to respond to the concerns.

FMI: www.skydio.com