West Hollywood City Council Faces Backlash Over Continued Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras
The West Hollywood City Council is facing significant community opposition regarding its decision to continue and amend a contract with Flock Safety for AI-powered surveillance cameras. Despite the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) claiming it no longer accesses Flock data as of August 2026, at least 138 cameras remain active across Los Angeles, with West Hollywood specifically integrating them into public infrastructure and connecting them to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) watch center. These cameras, which capture license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, and design, have been strategically placed in front of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs on Rainbow Street, a move that has particularly alarmed the queer community. Critics argue that this widespread surveillance infringes on privacy and disproportionately targets vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants, in a city that has historically served as a sanctuary.
