The weird coalition taking on Flock
This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. I passed five Flock cameras on my drive to work today, entirely without realizing it. The AI-powered license plate readers have metastasized on light poles and roadside posts across the country over the past […]
The Flock surveillance camera network has rapidly proliferated across the United States, with over 120,000 cameras installed as of August 2026. Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle are now scrutinizing the data collection, retention, and dissemination practices of this AI-powered license plate reader technology. Critics argue that the cameras represent government overreach and pose risks to privacy, civil liberties, and marginalized communities.
In some cases, the technology has even sparked calls for extreme measures, such as the proposed hanging of Flock's CEO in a Tennessee county. While Flock typically contracts with local governments, policymakers could impose stricter regulations, such as requiring warrants for data access and limiting the storage duration of information.
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