Key facts
- Flock Safety's AI-powered surveillance cameras, which record rear license plates, are facing vandalism and growing public concern.
- Critics argue the extensive network of cameras and AI capabilities enable broad data collection and potential misuse by law enforcement.
- Reports of police officers misusing Flock cameras for stalking and tracking individuals have emerged.
- A rare bipartisan backlash is growing against Flock cameras, with politicians from both parties pushing for restrictions.
- Over 100 jurisdictions have canceled contracts with Flock, and some citizens are vandalizing the cameras.
Flock Safety's AI-powered surveillance cameras, which capture rear license plates, are facing significant public backlash and vandalism across the US. The company's automated license plate readers (ALPRs) log vehicle movements, with an estimated 120,000 cameras conducting approximately 2 billion scans per month. Reports of law enforcement officers misusing the technology to stalk ex-partners and track individuals seeking abortions have fueled privacy concerns. This has led to a rare bipartisan response, with politicians from both liberal and conservative factions calling for restrictions on the technology. Many municipalities have canceled contracts with Flock, and some citizens have resorted to vandalizing the cameras. Experts suggest this grassroots opposition highlights a growing distrust of surveillance technology and its integration with government entities.