Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Akron's Flock Cameras Raise Privacy Concerns Amid Nationwide Data Sharing

Akron's Flock Cameras Raise Privacy Concerns Amid Nationwide Data Sharing

Akron, Ohio, has deployed nearly 150 Flock Safety cameras that log vehicle license plates into a searchable database accessible by law enforcement nationwide. This system has sparked privacy concerns, particularly regarding its potential use in enforcing anti-abortion and immigration laws. While Akron officials claim these features are disabled locally, the broader use of Flock cameras across the U.S. has led to accusations of misuse and civil liberties violations. The technology's implementation has also faced vandalism and public criticism.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
DeFlock Maps App Reveals Flock Camera Locations for Public Awareness

DeFlock Maps App Reveals Flock Camera Locations for Public Awareness

DeFlock Maps, a new crowdsourced app, is providing transparency by mapping the locations of Flock Safety's automated license plate readers (ALPRs) across the U.S. The app, powered by OpenStreetMap, aims to increase public awareness of surveillance infrastructure by allowing users to see where these devices are located in their neighborhoods. Flock cameras, which make up over 80% of the mapped devices, have been controversial due to privacy concerns and their widespread use by law enforcement and private entities.
Wilmington Star-News Wilmington Star-News
Sheriff's office accounts for 3.9% of New Hanover Flock searches | Exclusive

Sheriff's office accounts for 3.9% of New Hanover Flock searches | Exclusive

Newly released data shows that most searches conducted on New Hanover's Flock cameras originated outside the sheriff's office by unnamed agencies.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Akron's Flock Camera Network Raises Privacy Concerns Amid Nationwide Data Sharing

Akron's Flock Camera Network Raises Privacy Concerns Amid Nationwide Data Sharing

Akron, Ohio, is part of a nationwide network of Flock Safety cameras that track vehicle movements by logging license plates. The city has nearly 150 cameras, contributing to a database accessible by law enforcement agencies across the U.S. The technology has been used in various investigations, including tracking individuals for anti-abortion law enforcement in other states. Akron officials have stated that filters are in place to prevent such uses locally. However, concerns about privacy and potential misuse of the data persist, with civil liberties advocates raising alarms about the implications of widespread surveillance.
SB Nation SB Nation
2026 Alabama Fall Football Preview: Are the “Best Five” Offensive Linemen Set or a “Ways Off”?

2026 Alabama Fall Football Preview: Are the “Best Five” Offensive Linemen Set or a “Ways Off”?

The Crimson Tide quarterback battle is getting a lot of attention. But the competition among the offensive linemen is just as fierce.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sarasota police investigate first damaged Flock camera | Exclusive

Sarasota police investigate first damaged Flock camera | Exclusive

Sarasota police investigate first known damage to one of the city's controversial Flock cameras
Rapid Read Rapid Read
West Virginia Lawmakers Debate Regulations for Flock Camera Systems

West Virginia Lawmakers Debate Regulations for Flock Camera Systems

West Virginia lawmakers are evaluating the use of Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers amid concerns about data privacy and security. During interim meetings, presentations were made by Flock Safety and the Institute for Justice, focusing on data storage, access, and sharing. The Institute for Justice advocates for statewide regulations to govern the use of this technology, emphasizing the need for warrants for certain searches and limits on data sharing. Flock Safety argues that local customers control their data, but lawmakers remain concerned about potential misuse and the adequacy of existing safeguards.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
West Virginia Committee Discusses Use of Flock Cameras and ALPR Technology

West Virginia Committee Discusses Use of Flock Cameras and ALPR Technology

The Joint Standing Committee on Government Organization in West Virginia held a meeting to discuss the use of Flock Cameras and automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology by local governments. Presentations were made by Alasdair Whitney from the Institute for Justice and Kevin Kane, Director of Government Affairs at Flock Safety. The discussion focused on what local governments are contracting for when they purchase these technologies, which are used for surveillance and law enforcement purposes. The meeting also included presentations from the Department of Homeland Security.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Flock Safety's ALPR Technology Faces Privacy Concerns Amid Crime Reduction Claims

Flock Safety's ALPR Technology Faces Privacy Concerns Amid Crime Reduction Claims

Flock Safety, a company providing automatic license-plate readers (ALPRs), is under scrutiny for its widespread use in law enforcement across the U.S. These cameras, which capture and store images of license plates, are used by over 5,000 agencies to track vehicles and reduce crime. However, privacy advocates argue that this technology poses significant threats to civil liberties, sparking debates over its regulation and use.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Columbus Police's Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Sparks Privacy Concerns

Columbus Police's Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Sparks Privacy Concerns

The Columbus Division of Police has been utilizing Flock Safety's 'Falcon' model automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to scan and log vehicle data, including license plates, vehicle color, and bumper stickers. This data is stored in a searchable database accessible to police. The use of these cameras has raised significant privacy concerns among activists and the public, particularly regarding potential misuse of data for immigration enforcement. Despite assurances from Flock Safety that their cameras do not use facial recognition or link to motor vehicle bureau data, privacy advocates remain skeptical. The Columbus City Council is set to hold a public hearing to discuss the implications of this technology and its impact on privacy.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
High Error Rates and Privacy Concerns Lead Cities to Abandon Flock Safety Cameras

High Error Rates and Privacy Concerns Lead Cities to Abandon Flock Safety Cameras

A significant number of U.S. cities are terminating contracts with Flock Safety, a company providing automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, due to high error rates and privacy concerns. Reports indicate that 82 contracts across 28 states have been canceled, with California and Wisconsin leading the way. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) decided not to renew its contract after an audit revealed a 32.3% false-positive rate in stolen vehicle alerts. Concerns about data retention policies and potential access by federal immigration authorities have also contributed to the backlash against Flock Safety's surveillance technology.
The Augusta Chronicle The Augusta Chronicle
How Georgia drivers can check if Flock cameras tracked their car

How Georgia drivers can check if Flock cameras tracked their car

A public website helps drivers search available Flock-related records and learn more about where license plate data may have been accessed.