The backpack, discovered post-shooting with counterfeit Monopoly money inside, is identified as an older model of the Everyday Backpack produced by San Francisco’s Peak Design, as confirmed by Dering to the Times. Specifically tailored for photographers and everyday use, Dering noted that the company discontinued this particular bag back in 2019.
Following the incident, Dering recounted contacting the tip line, only to be informed that numerous calls had already poured in pinpointing the backpack as a Peak Design product. Despite this, Dering expressed willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, pending consultation with the company’s legal team to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
Expressing a commitment to aiding in the apprehension of the perpetrator, Dering conveyed his willingness to assist the authorities in any way feasible. Reports from CNN and Axios shed light on the distressing revelation that Dering and his Peak Design colleagues had faced threats in the aftermath of the shooting. USA TODAY sought the company’s input on the matter.
Legal perspective was provided by Greg Ewing, a data privacy lawyer in Washington, D.C., who indicated that it is customary for businesses to divulge customer data upon receipt of a court order or subpoena. In response to the uproar stemming from Dering’s disclosure, Peak Design revised its privacy policy to address concerns raised by the public.
The ensuing backlash on social media characterized the CEO as a “snitch,” while some customers voiced apprehensions regarding the possible misuse of their shopping data. In a bid to assuage these concerns, the company issued a statement emphasizing that they had not shared customer information with law enforcement and would only do so under the compulsion of a legally binding subpoena.
Moreover, Peak Design clarified that unless customers voluntarily registered their products on the company’s website, product serial numbers could not be tied back to them. In the event of product loss or theft, customers were assured the option to have their registration erased to prevent any traceability back to them. The statement also directed readers to the company’s customer privacy policy for further information.
