Why This Matters
The widespread deployment of Flock's ALPR cameras highlights the growing use of AI-driven surveillance technology in the US, raising important privacy and civil liberties concerns. The recent pushback from communities and companies underscores the need for clearer regulations and ethical considerations in the deployment of such systems, impacting both industry practices and consumer privacy rights.
Key Takeaways
- Over 120,000 Flock ALPR cameras are installed across the US, tracking vehicle movements.
- Communities are increasingly pushing back, canceling contracts and turning off cameras due to privacy concerns.
- Major companies like Amazon's Ring are distancing themselves from ALPR partnerships amid public backlash.
There are over 120,000 of Flock’s automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras installed all over the US. Flock’s cameras, and others like them, use AI to identify and track vehicles based on their license plate number, make, model, color, and other info, networked together to track vehicles and people’s movements throughout the day and across the country.
Dozens of communities have canceled contracts for the cameras or turned them off, including Los Angeles, as officials have pushed for more limits on the data they collect, who has access to it, and how it can be used in the future. Earlier this year, Amazon-owned Ring canceled a partnership with Flock after online backlash.
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