NewsBite analysis · Regulation, Security
Ars Technica
Flock “can’t tech its way out” of the stalker cop problem, experts say
After multiple reports of police officers abusing license plate reader access, Flock is pivoting to require agencies to use a new tool that identifies abnormal activities. This decision follows a case in Georgia where three officers were caught stalking using Flock's technology. Despite this tool being optional since April, only some agencies opted in. The CEO of Flock, Garrett Langley, acknowledged the oversight and emphasized the urgency of implementing this measure in an effort to prevent future misuse.
Act nowConfidence: HighShort term horizon
Published 13 Aug 2026, 18:55 UTC1 min read
Visit original article ↗Lead image — Ars Technica
Summary
TL;DR
- Flock mandates a tool to detect misuse of license plate reader data by police.
- The safety tool automatically suspends access when abnormal behavior is detected.
- A Georgia sheriff's office incident prompted the change in Flock's policy.
- Only a third of agencies had opted in to the optional tool prior to this announcement.
- CEO Garrett Langley admitted the company's previous error in not requiring the tool.
Interesting facts
- The tool has existed as an optional feature for several months, with low adoption rates.
- Reports of identified abuse increased after agencies activated the tool.