Flock Safety's Cameras Spark Privacy Concerns and Backlash
Texas authorities sparked controversy in May by conducting a nationwide search of over 83,000 Flock cameras, a move that followed a woman self-administering an abortion. Meanwhile, in June, Austin police allowed their contract with Flock to lapse due to public backlash. The company, which operates in more than 4,000 cities nationwide, has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism.
Flock Safety, a company specializing in license plate readers and cameras, has found itself at the center of a storm. In May, Texas authorities used its extensive network of cameras to search for a woman who had terminated her pregnancy, raising privacy concerns and sparking outrage.
In response to public backlash, Austin police chose not to renew their contract with Flock in June. However, the company's expansion continues, with Recorded Future News reporting in July that Flock has begun installing its cameras on school campuses nationwide.
Flock's cooperation with federal agencies has also drawn attention. The company acknowledged 'limited pilots' with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations to combat human trafficking and fentanyl distribution. However, an audit revealed that Flock allowed CBP to surveil Illinois drivers using its license plate reading systems, violating Illinois state law. Following this revelation, Flock has put its work with federal agencies on hold. The company failed to implement distinct permissions and protocols to ensure local compliance for federal agency users.
The use of Flock Safety's cameras has sparked debate and controversy across the nation. With over 4,000 cities utilizing its services, the company's practices and partnerships, particularly with federal agencies, are under intense scrutiny. As public backlash grows, Flock must address these concerns and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
