Amid public backlash, surveillance tech company Flock announces platform changes

August 14, 2026 - 02:19

One of the largest providers of automated license plate readers in the country is rolling out changes to its system, a move aimed at easing privacy worries and responding to reports of misuse by certain law enforcement officers. Flock Safety, which operates cameras in thousands of neighborhoods and cities, said the updates will give agencies more oversight and limit how stored data can be accessed.

The company has faced growing scrutiny in recent months. Civil liberties groups and some local lawmakers have pointed to cases where officers used the license plate database for personal reasons, such as tracking romantic partners or investigating people unrelated to active crimes. In other instances, departments shared footage with outside agencies without clear approval. These incidents fueled public backlash and led some communities to reconsider their contracts with the firm.

Under the revised platform, Flock says it will add stricter audit trails and require a supervisor's approval for certain types of searches. The company also plans to shorten the default retention period for vehicle location history, unless a local jurisdiction chooses a longer window. the system will flag when an officer searches for a plate that is not linked to a reported crime, which is meant to deter casual or improper queries.

Flock's chief executive said the changes are not a response to any single lawsuit but rather an effort to keep pace with community expectations. He acknowledged that trust is essential for the technology to remain useful. Some police departments have welcomed the updates, saying they will help demonstrate that the cameras are used for legitimate public safety work. However, privacy advocates remain cautious, noting that oversight only works if agencies actually enforce the new rules. They are calling for independent audits and clearer penalties for officers who violate policies. The platform changes are expected to roll out over the next few months.