The Man Behind the Anti-Flock Darth Vader Mask Wants to Know: 'When Will This End?'

Anthony Ralphs has been attending San Diego City Council meetings for a year to protest the use of Flock's surveillance technology in his city. Initially, he spoke in business casual, citing case law and constitutional precedents to argue against the technology. However, Ralphs eventually decided to try a different approach and appeared at a city council meeting in a Darth Vader costume, complete with mechanized breathing and a voice changer.

This dramatic appearance went viral, appearing in news outlets worldwide and sparking international coverage and translation into multiple languages.

Ralphs, an event producer and organizer, has been hosting events and working with various groups to educate the public about surveillance technology and promote privacy rights. He founded DeFlock San Diego and collaborates with organizations like Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology San Diego (TRUST SD) and TRUST SD to organize and spread awareness.

Despite facing discouragement and setbacks after previous meetings, Ralphs has continued to attend every city council and subcommittee meeting, educating himself on the process and organizing others to speak alongside him.

Ralphs' original intention was to remain anonymous while making his point, but he later decided to take ownership of the Vader persona to create a more dramatic and theatrical atmosphere. His latest question to the San Diego City Council is a call for accountability: "When will this end? When will you listen to the vast majority of your constituents?"