Flock's AI License Plate Cameras Face Growing Backlash Over Surveillance Concerns
Flock Safety has quietly built one of the largest vehicle-tracking networks in the US, with more than 120,000 automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras installed across communities. The AI-powered system doesn't just read plates - it identifies vehicle make, model, color, and other details, then links that data across a nationwide network to track movement patterns over time.
That scale is now drawing scrutiny. Los Angeles and other cities have suspended or canceled their Flock contracts amid concerns about data access, retention, and potential misuse - including reports of the technology being used for stalking. Amazon's Ring also pulled out of a planned partnership with Flock after facing significant public backlash over privacy implications.
Flock's CEO has acknowledged missteps, but the company continues expanding even as oversight questions mount, including revelations that camera feeds were exposed and that overseas contractors may have reviewed footage.