Privacy fears drive ‘patriotic Americans’ to destroy licence plate cameras
In only a few years, the surveillance start-up Flock has installed more than 100,000 licence plate reader cameras across the United States. But a grass-roots movement upset over privacy concerns is fighting back – even going so far as systematically vandalising the equipment. The first time he decided to trash one of the cameras, a self-styled vigilante wearing all black and known as Nomark, says…
A grassroots movement of privacy-conscious Americans is targeting surveillance cameras installed by Flock, a surveillance startup with over 100,000 cameras scattered across the United States. This so-called "anti-Flock" movement has gained significant traction online, with a Facebook group boasting over 600,000 members. Activists are systematically dismantling the devices, rendering them useless, and sharing methods to block their lenses.
Critics argue that these cameras, unlike traditional surveillance cameras, do not record video footage but capture still images of vehicles, including the make, model, colour, license plate data and other distinguishing features. This data is stored for up to a month, shareable across state lines, and can be accessed by police without warrants. Opponents fear this allows for invasive tracking without proper legal procedures, potentially leading to abuses of power.
For instance, a young vigilante named Nomark has documented how to disable the cameras, amassing a following of 500,000 Instagram followers. However, his actions are considered illegal. Despite this, the anti-Flock movement, characterized by its support on both the political left and right, is gaining momentum. Local groups are pressuring lawmakers to cancel contracts with Flock, with success evident across the country, as over 70 municipalities have ended their association with the surveillance company.
Flock CEO Garrett Langley has accused opponents of being "terrorists," fueling the controversy further.
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