Blood in the Machine Reports: Flock Surveillance Cameras Dismantled Across the United States
Brian Merchant, a writer for Blood in the Machine, has brought attention to a growing trend of people dismantling and destroying Flock surveillance cameras in the United States. This action stems from public outrage over the use of Flock’s license plate readers by U.S. immigration authorities for deportation purposes.
The Atlanta-based surveillance startup, Flock, was valued at $7.5 billion a year ago and is known for its license plate readers. However, the company has come under fire for providing federal authorities access to its extensive network of nationwide license plate readers and databases. This access has raised concerns, especially as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increasingly relies on data to conduct immigration raids under the Trump administration’s crackdown.
Through Flock cameras, authorities can monitor individuals’ movements by capturing photos of their license plates from thousands of cameras scattered throughout the country. While Flock claims not to directly share data with ICE, reports indicate that local police have shared their access to Flock cameras and databases with federal agencies.
As backlash against Flock grows, some communities are urging their cities to terminate contracts with the surveillance company. In response, individuals have taken matters into their own hands.
Merchant recounts incidents of vandalized Flock cameras in La Mesa, California, shortly after the city council voted to continue the use of Flock cameras, despite public opposition. Residents in La Mesa expressed concerns over privacy and surveillance, leading to acts of vandalism against the cameras.
Similar instances of vandalism have been reported in various states, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, and Virginia. In Oregon, six license plate scanning cameras were vandalized, with a note left at the scene expressing disdain for surveillance practices.
According to DeFlock, an initiative mapping license plate readers, there are approximately 80,000 cameras across the United States. Several cities have rejected Flock’s cameras, and some police departments have even prevented federal authorities from accessing their resources for surveillance purposes.
Despite these developments, Flock has remained silent on the issue, declining to comment on the situation.
