Cut the cameras: Flock surveillance cameras spur rare bipartisan backlash
Politicians on the right and left are pushing back against Flock as more Americans voice opposition to the tech
TL;DR
- Bipartisan backlash against Flock Safety cameras is growing in the US.
- Concerns include police officer abuses, such as stalking ex-lovers and tracking individuals seeking abortions.
- The cameras are automated license plate readers (ALPRs) that log vehicle movements.
- Approximately 120,000 Flock cameras are in use across the US, performing around 2 billion scans monthly.
- Social media mentions of Flock have increased, with a rise in opposition to ALPRs.
- Privacy and surveillance experts note that opposition to Flock cameras has become bipartisan.
- Both liberal and conservative politicians are taking action against Flock, including blocking state procurements and proposing legislation.
- Over 100 jurisdictions have canceled contracts with Flock.
- Flock's technology allows disparate law enforcement agencies to share data, increasing its surveillance reach.
- Experts predict continued pushback against Flock at state and local levels due to popular outrage.