07/17/2026
What the Flock?!
The Dark Side of AI Surveillance in Our Neighborhoods
Undoubtedly, you’ve heard of Flock Safety cameras by now. But if you haven't, you should give this short post a moment of your time.
Flock cameras are AI-powered Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that have been popping up all over the country. There are currently over 116,000 of these cameras active across the United States, with at least 150 identified in the Summerville area alone.
So, what’s the issue? As it turns out, they are doing far more than advertised.
1. Massive Security Vulnerabilities
Independent researchers, such as Benn Jordan, have exposed numerous security flaws in these systems. The most egregious issue is how easily an unauthorized user can gain access to the cameras to view live footage and past recordings.
This is exceptionally dangerous considering how many of these cameras are deliberately placed in view of areas where children congregate, such as schools, parks, and public playgrounds.
When researchers privately flagged these vulnerabilities to Flock before going public, the company reportedly ignored the warnings and doubled down on claims that their systems were "secure." Worse yet, when researchers began sharing their findings on social media, Flock allegedly went as far as labeling these critics as "terrorists"—a massive red flag for corporate accountability.
2. They Are Tracking Much More Than License Plates
While marketed as simple license plate readers to secure contracts with local police departments and townships, these AI-powered cameras catalog everything in their line of sight:
Who you are: Identifying individuals, what they are wearing, and where they are going.
What you are doing: Documenting activities and potentially capturing what is on your phone screen or even what you are saying.
Behavioral Profiling: Creating a digital footprint of your daily routine.
This data is stored and shared. While government and law enforcement agencies have direct access, it is highly likely that this data is being monetized. In the age of AI development, personal data is big business. It is entirely plausible that Flock is selling your behavioral profiles to third-party marketers or data brokers—leaving it vulnerable to bad actors who want to build profiles on you and your family.
3. Real-World Harm and Abuse
The danger isn't just theoretical; it is already happening:
False Positives: There are multiple documented instances where a Flock camera false-positive led police to detain innocent citizens at gunpoint.
Stalking and Misuse: Rogue individuals within law enforcement agencies have already been caught using the Flock system to stalk ex-partners and private citizens.
4. A Threat to Our Constitutional Rights
There is a massive legal and ethical principle at stake here. While the courts have established that you do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in public spaces against casual, passive observation (like a passing officer or a basic security camera), Flock cameras are different.
They represent a system of active, automated, and permanent mass surveillance that goes well beyond what is reasonable. While local governments pitch these cameras as a necessary tool for public safety, the reality is far more chilling: they are an invasive dragnet that can easily be used to violate your basic constitutional rights.
Alright thanks for sticking with me through this not-so-short post. If you're passionate as I am about this issue, then I encourage you to contact your local representatives and tell them that you do not want these cameras in your communities. Please also check out Benn Jordan on YouTube, and deflock.org to see what cameras are near you.
Find license plate readers (LPRs) near you.
