Privacy & Surveillance
Backlash Against Flock Surveillance Cameras Spreads as Abuse Cases Mount and Cities Suspend Use
The AI-powered license plate reader network faces growing pushback over police misuse, data security, and privacy concerns, prompting major cities to pause deployments and prompting safety changes from the company.
The Verge
Flock Safety operates one of the largest automatic license plate reader (ALPR) networks in the country, with over 120,000 cameras deployed across 49 states. These AI-enabled systems identify vehicles and track movements across geographic regions by analyzing license plates, vehicle details, and other identifying information. However, the rapid expansion of the network has sparked significant opposition from privacy advocates, communities, and even some law enforcement agencies questioning how the technology is monitored and used.
Growing Concerns Drive Pullbacks#
Multiple jurisdictions have begun restricting their Flock agreements. Most notably, the Los Angeles Police Department suspended its use of Flock's cameras after a three-year contract ended, citing concerns about data ownership and usage policies. The LAPD indicated it will negotiate a new agreement with clearer terms before resuming the relationship. Amazon-owned Ring canceled its planned integration with Flock after public opposition, claiming the integration would require more resources than expected.
The backlash has taken unusual forms. A Tennessee congressional candidate was charged with felony vandalism after allegedly shooting multiple Flock cameras over the course of a week, underscoring how polarizing the technology has become.
Documented Cases of Police Misuse#
The most troubling criticism centers on officers using Flock cameras to stalk individuals. 404 Media reported more than a dozen cases across the U.S. where police accessed the system to track people for personal reasons unrelated to investigations. Flock acknowledged at least 15 such incidents, attributing their discovery to built-in accountability features. However, critics argue many cases surface only because individuals independently checked databases like HaveIBeenFlocked.com—a website Flock has attempted to take down.
This pattern mirrors "LOVEINT," the term the NSA used to describe the surveillance abuse phenomenon documented within its own databases decades ago.
