More Americans oppose police license plate cameras than support them: survey

A recent survey has revealed that more Americans oppose police license plate cameras than support them, marking a shift from last year's majority support. According to YouGov's survey of 20,000 U.S. residents, 46% of respondents opposed Flock's surveillance cameras in their communities, while 38% expressed support. This reversal in opinion follows controversies surrounding Flock's misuse of the cameras, leading to numerous communities rejecting or canceling contracts due to privacy concerns.

Despite this, the company operates over 120,000 license plate readers nationwide, tracking vehicle locations. Flock claims there is widespread support for its technology, but acknowledges that "support isn't unconditional," emphasizing the rollout of recent safeguards. However, critics such as the ACLU argue that these safeguards are insufficient, maintaining Flock as a significant threat to civil liberties.

In response to mounting backlash, Flock CEO Garrett Langley recently called for a "compromise" between surveillance and privacy, following an increase in vandalism targeting Flock cameras.