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Amid public backlash, surveillance tech company Flock announces platform changes

Amid public backlash, surveillance tech company Flock announces platform changes

One of the nation’s largest providers of automated license plate readers is making changes to its platform intended to quell privacy concerns and address documented abuses of its system by some members of law enforcement

Flock Safety Implements New Safeguards to Address Police Misuse of License Plate Readers

Flock Safety Implements New Safeguards to Address Police Misuse of License Plate Readers

Flock Safety, a company providing automated license plate readers (ALPRs), announced new updates to prevent misuse of its technology by law enforcement officers. This decision follows several high-profile cases where police officers used the system for unauthorized purposes, such as stalking or harassment. The company has faced criticism over privacy concerns and the widespread use of its cameras across the United States. Flock Safety's CEO, Garrett Langley, emphasized the importance of preventing police abuse of power and protecting individual privacy. The new measures include mandatory audit assistance to flag abnormal search behavior and a requirement for officers to provide specific case codes for vehicle searches. These updates aim to curb misuse and ensure the technology is used appropriately.

Flock announces changes amid backlash over its license plate reader network

Flock announces changes amid backlash over its license plate reader network

A company that operates a vast nationwide network of automated cameras that record the license plate numbers and other characteristics of all passing vehicles every day is making changes to its platform

Detroit Free Press

How many 'Flock cameras' are in Michigan? Unregulated ALPRs are all over

How many 'Flock cameras' are in Michigan? Unregulated ALPRs are all over

Opposition to automatic license plate readers or "Flock" cameras, has erupted in many U.S. cities, including in Michigan.

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.

Flock Safety Implements New Privacy Measures Amidst Police Misuse Concerns

Flock Safety Implements New Privacy Measures Amidst Police Misuse Concerns

Flock Safety, a company known for its automatic license plate readers, has announced changes to its platform to address privacy concerns and misuse by law enforcement. The company is reducing the default data retention period from 30 days to seven days and introducing a system called Audit Assistance to monitor abnormal search activities. These changes come after reports of police using the technology for unauthorized surveillance, including stalking. Flock Safety aims to enhance privacy and accountability, although critics argue that the measures are insufficient and rely on self-regulation by police departments.

Flock Safety Updates Software Amid Privacy Concerns in Oklahoma City

Flock Safety Updates Software Amid Privacy Concerns in Oklahoma City

Flock Safety announced updates to its software to prevent police misuse of data from its Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras. This comes as Oklahoma City considers renewing its contract with Flock for nearly 300 cameras. The updates aim to address concerns about privacy and unauthorized data use by law enforcement. Councilmember Camal Pennington emphasized the need for a system to monitor officer searches and ensure data is shared only with local jurisdictions. The updates include a reduction in data retention from 30 to 7 days and the introduction of an 'evidence mode' for ongoing investigations.

Flock Safety CEO Apologizes for Surveillance Misuse, Announces System Changes

Flock Safety CEO Apologizes for Surveillance Misuse, Announces System Changes

Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety, has apologized for instances where law enforcement officers misused the company's surveillance technology. Following reports of misuse, including stalking, Langley announced changes to the company's systems, including reducing the default data retention period from 30 days to seven days. Flock Safety will also require a case code for data searches and has introduced an 'Evidence Mode' for data tied to investigations. These changes aim to enhance accountability and prevent misuse, though the American Civil Liberties Union remains critical of the company's privacy practices.

The Columbus Dispatch

Flock updates camera policies amid scrutiny, but local impact unclear

Flock updates camera policies amid scrutiny, but local impact unclear

Flock Safety is updating its data policies amid privacy concerns, but critics argue the changes fall short of real reform.

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.

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.

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.