The Flocklash is getting louder—and more creative

The Flocklash, a growing movement against the surveillance technology company Flock Safety, is gaining momentum and becoming more creative in its approach. Flock Safety, based in Atlanta, operates a nationwide network of automated cameras that record license plate numbers and other vehicle characteristics. The company's founder, Garrett Langley, has become a central figure in the public outcry against mass surveillance.

Recently, Flock Safety has faced backlash from local governments, citizens, and artists who are concerned about the potential misuse of the data collected by its cameras. Over 50 agencies or jurisdictions have canceled or deactivated Flock cameras due to these concerns. As a result, Flock has been forced to implement new guardrails on its operations.

The pushback has been so intense that Flock cameras have become targets of vandalism in at least 36 states. Some community members are using art, protest, and social media to amplify their anti-Flock message. Photographer Brendan North has gained millions of views with his protest art installations at Flock cameras, while a man dressed as Darth Vader showed up to a San Diego public safety committee meeting in support of Flock.

Producer and data scientist Benn Jordan retaliated by setting up surveillance equipment outside a Flock conference to watch and record data from the event.

The Sunrise Movement, a climate action group, staged a demonstration outside the home of cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen, who has supported the installation of private cameras in San Francisco using Flock technology. Activists displayed signs criticizing Larsen and even built their own paper surveillance cameras to "watch" his property.

While Flock did not immediately respond to these forms of protest, founder Langley called for a national compromise between privacy and safety.