Flock Safety Implements New Privacy Protocols Amid Surveillance Concerns
Flock Safety, a major provider of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in the U.S., has announced new privacy protocols in response to growing concerns about surveillance and data privacy. The company, which partners with over 6,000 law enforcement agencies and more than 5,000 private customers, has reduced its default data retention period from 30 days to seven days. This change aims to address privacy concerns, although it applies only to the company's default settings and not to state-specific regulations. Flock has also introduced 'Evidence Mode,' allowing data tied to a case number to be preserved beyond the seven-day period. Despite these changes, the company faces criticism from privacy advocates and civil liberties groups who argue that the widespread use of ALPRs contributes to a surveillance state. Flock's CEO, Garrett Langley, insists that the company's goal is to enhance safety, not create a dystopian future. 
