{
  "id": 7826814,
  "title": "👮 Flock Searches for the LOLs | EFFector 38.16",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/flock-searches-for-the-lols-effector-38-16",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-16T16:23:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "EFF Deeplinks",
    "slug": "eff-deeplinks",
    "url": "https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/09/flock-searches-lols-effector-3816"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mass surveillance isn't a laughing matter, but law enforcement agencies are treating it as such when they utilize automated license plate reader (ALPR) networks. According to a new report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), officers nationwide are logging nonsensical reasons for conducting Flock searches. These trivial justifications include humorous terms like \"LOL,\" \"LMAO,\" and even the mildly inappropriate \"Sexy.\"\n\nIn this latest issue of EFFector, a newsletter that has been guiding readers through the complex intersection of technology, civil liberties, and the law for over three decades, the focus shifts to the misuse of ALPR technology. The report highlights a settlement that effectively embeds Meta's invasive surveillance practices into law. Additionally, the piece discusses the efforts of states to resist ALPR technology and the disturbing trend of police turning privacy concerns into a source of ridicule.\n\nFor those who prefer an audio format, EFFector is now available on all major podcast platforms. In this episode, host Adam Schwartz discusses what has brought people together in opposition to Flock cameras and explores how the latest backlash could lead to lasting change. The episode can be found and subscribed to on your preferred podcast platform.\n\nTo support the fight for digital privacy and free speech online, readers are encouraged to subscribe to the EFFector newsletter, which offers updates, ways to take action, and exclusive merch drops.",
  "summary": "Mass surveillance isn't a joke. But police are treating it like one when using automated license plate reader (ALPR) networks. In our latest EFFector newsletter , we're covering a new EFF report on how officers across the country are routinely logging completely nonsensical \"reasons\" for their Flock searches, including \"LOL,\" \"LMAO,\" and even (yuck) \"Sexy.\" JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER For over 35 years,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}