Flock Safety, a company deploying AI-powered license plate readers (ALPRs) and drones across US cities, is facing growing backlash and contract cancellations over privacy concerns and data-sharing with ICE. The technology captures vehicle images, builds searchable databases, and increasingly tracks people via drones and natural-language search tools. Despite Flock's claims that it doesn't share data with federal agencies directly, 75% of its law enforcement customers use a National Lookup Tool enabling cross-country data sharing, and local police frequently share data with ICE. Documented abuses include officers stalking ex-partners, tracking abortion-related activity, and harassing citizens. Effective legislative responses include short data retention windows (New Hampshire's 3-minute rule) and bans on out-of-state data sharing. Individuals have limited options to opt out, but community advocacy, attending city council meetings, and supporting relevant legislation are recommended actions.
Table of contents
What it means when Flock Safety sets up in your neighborhoodHow Flock uses tech to ID cars -- and peopleDoes Flock track personal information? The devil is in the detailsHow does Flock Safety handle the data it collects?Abuse of Flock dataFlock, ICE and the federal government: Data sharing complicationsThe rise of laws limiting what Flock Safety and police can doLiving with Flock Safety and its growing competitorsOther steps to take if you're worriedSort: