New app is slammed for allowing users to 'creepily spy' on popular nightclubs across major city using 'hidden cameras'

A new app has sparked extreme blowback after enabling users to use cameras to watch partiers at trendy nightclubs and bars across San Francisco. 

2night, the startup behind the app, had hoped that the service would promote nightlife in the area, allowing users to check livestreams of the bars and clubs to determine if they had the right vibe. 

But bargoers were quick to lash out after they learned that they were being recorded without their permission, with some going so far as to liken the service to 'Big Brother.'

Some popular San Francisco bars have also objected to the app, complaining that their venues were being listed on the service without their consent. 

2night, which was called NightEye until Wednesday, modeled their business after Surfline, a successful app that allows surfers to observe the quality of waves at different beaches. 

'The single thing that I can provide that is the most useful is the livestreams,' said the app's co-creator, Lucas Harris, who graduated from Pitzer College last year.

Harris thought that the demand for the app would be hot because San Francisco's nightlife was 'difficult to navigate.' 

'It was blatant to me that everyone was wanting a solution like this—to get the vibe that they are after,' the entrepreneur said. 

To his surprise, though, after the app was rolled out this spring, it generated significant controversy among bar owners and patrons, who were often being recorded without their knowledge or permission.

One person who found himself featured in one of 2night's live streams, told the San Francisco Standard that they had concerns because 'there was no sign or other disclosure he could be on camera.'

One woman in her thirties told the Standard that the app was unnecessary and prevented people from enjoying themselves. 

'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 f****** bar... if it's not cool, you go to another bar.' 

The app's founder was initially dismissive of people's concerns over the privacy, noting that drinking and clubbing is not a quiet activity.

'I continue to believe that you don't go to a bar or club for privacy,' he said before adding, 'You are surrounded by strangers.'

2night's reach is limited right now and its services are restricted to five to eight venues, which include the restaurant Boto, Brazilian Bar, Trinity Irish Bar and Mayes Oyster House. 

At the Irish Bar and Oyster House, the app features livestreams on Friday and Saturday nights, although Harris hopes these dates will soon include Thursday and Saturday, too. 

According to the young entrepreneur, the venues with whom the company is partnered are in control of when the cameras are switched on.

He also explained that the livestreams are primarily meant to highlight the live music shows at bars and clubs. 

Still, some local club-owners have offered brutal takes on the controversial startup. 

Jamie Zawinski, the owner of DNA Lounge, a local music venue and club, spoke plainly of his disdain for the app:

'Lemme guess, some techbro has this innovative idea of being the rent-seeking middleman charging venues and bands to run pay-per-view streams.' 

Rico Avila, the operator of the bar the White Rabbit, even learned, to his dismay, that an associated bar was featured on a list of 'nearby bars' on the app without their permission.

'We reached out to them- no answer,' Avila told the Standard. 

The bar owner denounced the app, saying that the White Rabbit would never allow livestreaming and that the idea behind the service was 'bad in so many ways.'

'It's completely invasive for one,' he said, before further stating: 

'It could encourage bad actors to use it. That’s another major concern...Liability is a major reason, you know, it opens us up to lots of very precarious legal situations.'

Harris has since removed the name of the bar from the list, and he and cofounder Francesco Bini have taken further measures to mollify the angry locals.

The service now blurs the faces of individuals and the livestreams are not saved. 

'All livestreams that you can access inside of the application are blurred.'

Other bar owners are more supportive of the application, seeing in it a way to gin up interest in the local bar scene. 

Matt Corvi, owner of the Mayes Oyster House, said the Standard: 'I like the idea. I think it's fun.'

He continued: 'Eventually, it’s going to help the bar and eventually help the kids decide where they want to go. I think that’s the main purpose.'

Corvi explained that he hadn't expected so many people to take issue with being recorded without their consent, noting that there were already security cameras active in such venues.

'These questions are kind of like, turn this around to make it seem like it’s weird and creepy,' Corvi said, before adding: 'It’s too bad that people feel like that, you know. That’s not the intention. The intention is to promote more business and get people to come out.' 

'Bars, restaurants and nightclubs are dying in San Francisco. We need help.'