A new program by Google called AAPI Strong has been started to provide free Google Nest security cameras for Asian business owners across the US as violence against Asian has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic.
These cameras will help business owners monitor their business and deter shoplifters while catching any evidence of a crime or violent act that may occur.
Violence Against Asians
During the pandemic, people in power such as Donald Trump referred to the coronavirus as the China virus or Kung Flu which cause a lot of anti-Asian violence to happen.
According to data released earlier this year by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, anti-Asian hate crimes will have surged 339 percent in 2021.
According to the Pew Research Center, a third of Asian Americans say they have changed their regular habits due to fear of violence.
AAPI Strong Program
The Asian employee resource group at Google is leading the AAPI Strong initiative, which attempts to provide extra security for members of the community who may encounter potential violence.
In Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, and the Washington, DC metro area, which includes parts of Maryland and Virginia, AAPI Strong offers three Nest security cameras to business owners. It is only available to physical retailers with a maximum of three locations. They must be at least 51% owned by members of the AAPI community and cannot be a chain or franchise.
By October 31st, businesses must apply on the AAPI Strong website.
Google has not commented if this program will be offered in any other cities than the ones mentioned above.
