Police-tech company Flock Safety has introduced new platform safeguards following reports of officers using its license plate reader network for illegal activities like stalking.
Key facts
- •Flock Safety operates a network of about 120,000 automatic license plate readers in the US.
- •The Washington Post identified 50 instances of police officers misusing surveillance systems to stalk or harass individuals.
- •Flock does not verify the criminal case numbers that officers are now required to enter when performing searches.
- •The company currently holds an $8 billion valuation.
- •Flock reports that 90% of searches on its platform occur within one week of an incident.
Flock Safety, which operates a network of approximately 120,000 automatic license plate readers across the United States, announced platform updates last Thursday. The changes aim to prevent officers from using the system for illegitimate purposes, such as stalking. This follows reports from The Washington Post identifying 50 cases where officers misused systems from Flock and its competitors to harass individuals.
By the numbers
New Safeguards and Limitations
Flock’s new measures include software designed to flag abnormal searches and a requirement for officers to enter a criminal case number before performing a search. However, the company confirmed to MIT Technology Review that it does not verify these case numbers, allowing for the potential entry of bogus data. Critics argue that these policies do not address broader concerns regarding the transformation of crime-stopping tools into mass surveillance networks.
Data Retention and Surveillance Scope
While Flock recently changed its recommended data retention period to seven days, agencies retain the ability to hold data for as long as they choose. Flock reports that 90% of searches occur within one week of an incident. The company’s business model, which holds an $8 billion valuation, relies on a network that allows police departments to share and search data across different jurisdictions.
Growing Backlash and Regulatory Pressure
The company is facing increasing scrutiny, with some cities canceling contracts and states considering laws to limit or ban license plate readers. Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel at the ACLU, stated that the best way to set limits on surveillance is through new laws rather than company guidelines. Flock CEO Garrett Langley noted that he maintains a different view than the ACLU regarding the technology's implementation.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by MIT Technology Review.
