Flock announces changes amid backlash over its license plate reader network
The short version: WHAS11 reports Flock Safety is rolling out new usage rules after mounting backlash, but self-policing by a surveillance vendor isn't the same as real accountability.
Our Take
Credit to WHAS11 for putting a spotlight on this: when a company facing public heat over its own surveillance network announces it's tightening its own rules, that's worth covering — and worth questioning. Flock Safety has built its business on thousands of license plate reader cameras feeding a searchable database used by police departments nationwide. Now, under pressure, the company says it's mandating "stricter protocols" for how cops use that data.
Here's the problem: Flock writing its own rulebook is not oversight. It's a vendor managing its reputation. There's no independent audit, no binding law, no elected body signing off — just a company promising to police itself after getting caught in the headlines. History with ALPR systems shows that policy language on paper rarely survives contact with mission creep, data-sharing agreements between agencies, and quiet expansions once the news cycle moves on.
The real fix isn't a corporate press release — it's public awareness and local pressure. Check our camera map to see if Flock is already watching your neighborhood, and head to our take-action page to find out how to push your city council for real transparency and limits, not just self-imposed talking points.
This is DeFlock The USA’s original commentary. The video above is the work of WHAS11, published on YouTube — full credit to the creator.