GoKawiilFlock Safety cuts default camera-data retention to 7 days amid Congress inquiry
Flock Safety announced changes to its automated license-plate-reading system after facing scrutiny from lawmakers in Congress. The company shortened its default data-retention period from 30 days to seven, introduced standardized categories for why searches are conducted, and will now require officers to enter case numbers before running a search.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The changes suggest Flock is trying to address privacy and accountability concerns before regulators impose their own rules, since surveillance networks built on license-plate data have drawn criticism over how searches are logged and who can access them. Requiring case numbers and standardized justifications could make it easier to audit whether police are using the system appropriately, though it remains unclear how the company will enforce compliance among its law-enforcement customers.
- Default data retention drops from 30 days to 7 days
- New standardized search categories aim to document search purpose
- Officers must now supply a case number before conducting a search
Source: wsj.com, 2026-09-23
Published there as: “Facing Congressional Scrutiny, Flock Details New Search Guardrails”
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