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The Verge - Tech
Flock's Cameras Remain Civil Liberties Threat Despite Updates
Flock Safety announced operational changes to its automatic license plate readers (ALPR) in response to public outcry. While they will reduce data retention from one month to one week and introduce an 'Evidence Mode,' the ACLU argues that these changes largely fail to address genuine privacy concerns and act more as a public relations strategy. The ACLU descriptively critiques Flock's effectiveness and highlights ongoing issues regarding surveillance and data retention.
MonitorConfidence: HighImmediate horizonData governance risk: High
Published 13 Aug 2026, 15:05 UTC10 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Flock Safety operates over 120,000 ALPRs across the nation.
- Public opposition has been growing against Flock's surveillance practices.
- Flock reduced data retention from 30 days to one week.
- ACLU argues changes do not effectively protect civil liberties.
- Concerns raised over potential misuse and data retention under 'Evidence Mode.'
- ACLU continues advocacy against mass surveillance and calls for privacy protections.
Interesting facts
- Flock's changes are aimed at countering significant public and media backlash.
- The ACLU has documented over 100 incidents of ALPR misuse.