Flock Safety Cameras Spread Across US, Raising Privacy and Abuse Concerns
Flock Safety's AI-powered cameras, which track vehicles and people, have proliferated rapidly in the US. They have been linked to security flaws, police misuse, and false accusations against innocent people.
The number of AI-driven automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in the US has grown quickly, with most coming from Flock Security. These cameras are mounted along roads and log the movements of passing cars. While their primary function is reading license plates, they can also search for descriptions like "green sedan with American flag bumper sticker." Flock also offers AI surveillance cameras, mobile security trailers, and quadcopter drones.
Flock cameras run a modified version of Android and wirelessly transmit footage to a database. The system allows natural language searches and can be shared across a nationwide network. Although Flock contracts with local agencies, many police departments join a national network, enabling searches from states like Texas on Massachusetts data. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often gains access through data-sharing programs.
Security vulnerabilities are widespread. In December 2025, musician and YouTuber Benn Jordan found at least 70 Flock cameras exposed online without passwords, showing children, couples arguing, and other private moments. Earlier, Jordan discovered that cameras could be accessed by pressing a physical button and using basic Android tools, including exposed USB ports. Flock responded by smearing researchers as "activist groups who want to defund the police."
Police misuse is common. Officers have tracked ex-girlfriends and partners without warrants, with dozens of cases documented by 404 Media. Flock stated its Audit Assistance tool "proactively flags unintended use." In one instance, Flock employees watched children swimming and in gymnastics classes, showing the feeds as a sales demo.
False accusations occur frequently. Colorado woman Chrisanna Elser was charged with theft based on Flock data but proved her innocence with her own cameras. Other drivers have been pulled over due to misreads of numbers and letters, like zero vs. O. In Denver, despite protests, the mayor renewed Flock's contract, falsely claiming the cameras helped solve a murder.
Removing Flock cameras is difficult due to strict contracts. In Dayton, Ohio, and Evanston, Illinois, cities covered cameras with garbage bags to avoid breach. Despite criticism, Flock continues to expand.
