Public discontent arises following the recognition of the CEO's backpack in a video involving gunfire, which is linked to UnitedHealthcare.
Public discontent arises following the recognition of the CEO's backpack in a video involving gunfire, which is linked to UnitedHealthcare.
Peter Dering, leading figure and boss of Peak Design, a firm located in San Francisco, released a declaration on Friday following his conversation with the New York Times on December 5, where he contacted the police promptly upon viewing photographs of the bag. Dering also mentioned to the Times that if the authorities sought assistance, he would consult with his legal counsel regarding what information could be disclosed without infringing upon Peak Design's privacy rules.
"We value the privacy of our customers deeply. Misinformation circulating on social media has led to numerous threats against not only my safety but also that of our employees," Dering explained in the statement. "Please consider the facts we are presenting here and maintain faith in Peak Design."
Dering had previously informed the Times on December 5 that the person answering his call on the tip line stated there were "hundreds" of reports identifying the gray bag worn by alleged gunman Luigi Mangione as a Peak Design product.
However, some have labeled Dering as a 'snitch' on social media platforms. A TikTok user proposed that Peak Design bag owners remove the serial tags from their bags, while others suggested returning their bags.
It is a standard practice for companies to provide customer information in response to a court order or subpoena, according to Greg Ewing, a data privacy attorney based in Washington, D.C.
"This is the approach most companies would take in this situation," Ewing said.
Are Companies Violating Consumer Privacy?
The fear of tracking serial numbers has sparked concern among users who resell products or buy secondhand items.
"What if someone gave this to me as a gift, and now I'm facing jail time because you pointed out that was my backpack? That's terrifying," one TikTok user wrote on the platform.
Ewing acknowledged that such a situation is possible. The problem lies in the data collected by the companies, and in the case of Peak Design, data is voluntarily registered. If a product is sold and not re-registered, information could be traced back to the initial purchaser.
Another TikTok user shared in a video, "nobody wants you to save the day." The user questioned what information the company had at its disposal.
"You didn't have to tell anyone anything," the user said.
Ewing pointed out that companies usually collect data about their customers for marketing purposes. In Peak Design's case, some customers registered products to receive warrantee services. Peak Design tracks product issues, including defects, through the 'serializing' of its products.
"Tracing purchases has been a law enforcement technique for decades. If a company refuses to provide access to the data, they can obtain a warrant," a TikTok user commented.
This incident may bear resemblance to police officers tracking a vehicle moving through a crime scene, Ewing suggested. Cars have registration numbers, making them easily traceable to their owners.
"It's a similar concept," Ewing said. "In our economic system, our world, certain things are required to be registered. Consumer products, like this, are one of those transactions that are optional."
Ewing also mentioned that Dering took the appropriate legal measures, and customers concerned about privacy need not disclose their personal information.
"In response to the backlash, Dering clarified that Peak Design is primarily concerned with protecting its customers' privacy and has no intention of compromising it unwillingly."
"The controversy surrounding Dering's actions has led some users to question the extent of data collected by companies like Peak Design, raising concerns about potential misuse of such information."