Needed More Data! Logging Flock Data for Science #flockcameras #esp32 #diy
The short version: A hobbyist hacks together an ESP32 rig to independently log Flock camera activity, proving citizens can gather their own surveillance data instead of taking Flock's word for it.
Our Take
Credit to YouTuber deamonmist for doing something refreshing: instead of just complaining about Flock Safety cameras, they built their own ESP32-based logger to collect real data on how these ALPRs actually behave in the wild. That's the kind of grassroots, DIY energy this fight needs. Flock and its police partners love to control the narrative around their networks — independent data collection flips that script.
We don't know the full scope of what was captured or how rigorous the methodology is, and we're not going to pretend otherwise. But the bigger point stands: these cameras are black boxes installed on public streets with almost zero independent auditing. When a private citizen with a soldering iron can start probing that black box, it says a lot about how little transparency local governments have demanded from Flock in the first place.
If you want to see where these cameras are already mapped in your area, check out our camera map, and if you're ready to push back on a camera near you, our take-action resources walk you through it.
This is DeFlock The USA’s original commentary. The video above is the work of deamonmist, published on YouTube — full credit to the creator.