Flock Safety, a company known for its automated license plate readers and AI-driven security systems, has faced increasing criticism over privacy concerns and alleged misuse of its technology. Despite some communities canceling contracts and lawmakers considering bans, the company continues to expand its network of approximately 120,000 cameras nationwide.
On August 19, in Milton, Georgia, InvestigateTV reporter Brendan Keefe attempted to document the installation of a new Flock camera on a public street near his home. Wearing a press vest and displaying a press placard, Keefe filmed the technician at a distance. Upon noticing the filming, the installer packed up and left, later calling 911 to report being followed and harassed.
Police stopped Keefe after the call, and body camera footage shows the officer confirming Keefe was filming from a lawful distance without breaking any laws. The officer relayed the installer's concerns about privacy and safety but did not suggest any wrongdoing by Keefe. After about 17 minutes, Keefe was allowed to leave.
Flock Safety stated that while it does not object to public or press photographing its cameras or personnel, employees are instructed to prioritize safety and may contact law enforcement if they feel threatened or harassed.
This incident is not isolated. In June, police responded to a 911 call from a Flock employee at the company’s Smyrna, Georgia distribution center after a group of YouTube creators filmed outside the facility. The employee expressed security concerns, referencing Flock’s law enforcement partnerships. No charges were filed, but the individuals were issued trespass warnings.
Security researcher Benn Jordan, who was among those filming, has previously highlighted vulnerabilities in Flock’s camera encryption. He criticized the company’s efforts to protect employee privacy while collecting extensive data on the public.
Despite public backlash, Flock hosted its annual law enforcement conference in Atlanta in August, which was closed to media, including InvestigateTV and Jordan. The event aimed to provide practical guidance to public safety officials on using Flock’s technology.
Flock representatives argue that license plate data collection is lawful and necessary for public safety, noting that license plates are visible in public and that opting out of such surveillance is effectively opting out of society. However, critics continue to raise concerns about privacy, misuse, and the inability for individuals to exclude themselves from data collection.
The incidents underscore the ongoing debate about surveillance technology, public transparency, and privacy rights as Flock Safety expands its presence across the United States.