New app is slammed for allowing users to ‘creepily spy’ on popular nightclubs across major city using ‘hidden cameras’
A new app has drawn widespread criticism after it allowed users to use cameras to keep tabs on partygoers at trendy nightclubs and bars in San Francisco.
2night, the startup behind the app, had hoped the service would promote nightlife in the area, allowing users to watch live streams from the bars and clubs to determine if they had the right vibe.
But bar patrons were quick to lash out after learning they were being recorded without their consent, with some even going so far as to compare the service to ‘Big Brother’.
Some popular bars in San Francisco have also taken issue with the app, complaining that their locations were listed on the service without their consent.
A new app has sparked outrage after it allowed users to spy on visitors to trendy San Francisco nightclubs and bars in a “creepy way”
2night, the startup behind the app, had hoped the service would promote local nightlife, allowing users to watch live streams from the bars and clubs and determine if it was the right vibe
2night, which was called NightEye until Wednesday, modeled its company after Surfline, a successful app that allows surfers to observe the quality of waves at different beaches.
“The one thing I can offer that is most helpful is the live streams,” said Lucas Harris, the app’s co-creator and a graduate of Pitzer College last year.
Harris thought demand for the app would be high because San Francisco’s nightlife was “difficult to navigate.”
“It was very clear to me that everyone wanted a solution like this, to get the atmosphere they were looking for,” the entrepreneur said.
But to his surprise, after the app rolled out this spring, it sparked controversy among bar owners and patrons, who were often recorded without their knowledge or consent.
“The one thing I can provide most helpful is the livestreams,” said Lucas Harris, the app’s co-creator and a Pitzer College graduate last year.
A person who saw themselves in one of 2night’s livestreams told the San Francisco standard that they were concerned because “there was no sign or other notice that he was allowed to appear on camera.”
A woman in her thirties told De Standaard that the app was unnecessary and prevented people from having fun.
“You should be able to let loose in a bar where Big Brother isn’t watching you,” she said.
The woman added: ‘Just go to a *** bar… if it’s not cool, go to another bar.’
The app’s founder initially dismissed people’s privacy concerns, noting that drinking and clubbing are not peaceful activities.
The app’s founders sought to address public concerns about issues such as privacy
“I still maintain that you don’t go to a bar or club for your privacy,” he said. “You’re surrounded by strangers,” he added.
2night’s reach is currently limited, with services restricted to five to eight locations including Boto restaurant, Brazilian Bar, Trinity Irish Bar and Mayes Oyster House.
At the Irish Bar and Oyster House, the app will offer livestreams on Friday and Saturday nights, though Harris hopes those dates will soon extend to Thursday and Saturday as well.
According to the young entrepreneur, the locations the company works with determine when the cameras are on.
He also explained that the live streams are mainly intended to showcase the live music shows in bars and clubs.
Still, some local club owners have harshly criticized the controversial startup.
Jamie Zawinski, owner of DNA Lounge, a local music venue and club, openly expressed his disdain for the app:
Matt Corvi, owner of Mayes Oyster House (pictured), defended the app
“Let me guess, some techie has the innovative idea to be a profit-hungry middleman who charges venues and bands money to host pay-per-view streams.”
Rico Avila, the operator of the bar Het Witte Konijn, was even dismayed to learn that an associated bar had been included on a list of ‘nearby bars’ on the app without their permission.
“We contacted them but got no response,” Avila told the Standard.
The bar owner slammed the app, saying the White Rabbit would never allow livestreaming and that the idea behind the service was “bad in so many ways.”
The Mayes Oyster House is a proud partner of the service
“It’s completely invasive to someone,” he said, before going on to explain:
‘It could encourage malicious parties to use it. That’s another big concern… Liability is a big reason, you know, it exposes us to a lot of very precarious legal situations.”
Harris has since removed the bar’s name from the list and, together with co-founder Francesco Bini, he and his team have taken further steps to appease angry locals.
The service now blurs individuals’ faces and the live streams are not saved.
‘All live streams that you can watch through the application are blurry.’
Other bar owners are more supportive of the application, seeing it as a way to generate interest in the local bar scene.
Matt Corvi, owner of the Mayes Oyster House, said the following Standard: ‘I like the idea. I like it.’
He continued, “Ultimately it’s going to help the bar and ultimately it’s going to help the kids decide where they want to go. I think that’s the main goal.”
Rico Avila, the owner of The White Rabbit bar (pictured), was shocked to discover that an associated bar had been added to a list of ‘nearby bars’ on the app without permission
Bar patrons were quick to lash out at the app after learning they were being recorded without their consent, with some even going so far as to compare the service to ‘Big Brother’.
Corvi explained that he didn’t expect so many people to be bothered by being filmed without their consent. He said that such locations already had security cameras.
“These questions are kind of like, turn it around to make it look like it’s weird and creepy,” Corvi said, before adding, “It’s a shame that people feel this way, you know. That is not the intention. The idea is to promote more things and get people to come out.”
“Bars, restaurants and nightclubs are dying in San Francisco. We need help.”