At least 10 local governments have moved to drop Flock’s surveillance cameras since summer

Flock's data storage policy is now shorter, requiring a case code to search its database.

At least ten local governments and police departments have moved to discontinue or restrict their use of Flock Safety surveillance technology since the summer of 2026. These decisions stem from growing public concerns over mass surveillance, data privacy, and the potential misuse of the technology. Flock Safety provides surveillance tools such as license plate readers and drones, with over 100,000 cameras currently deployed nationwide. Cities like Monroe, Ohio, and Lansing, Michigan, have terminated contracts, while others, like League City, Texas, saw residents vote against continued use. Concerns include how data is shared, procurement practices, and instances of alleged misuse by officers for stalking purposes. State-level actions include Florida barring license plate readers from state highways and Texas pausing state funding. Flock Safety has responded by shortening its default data storage period to seven days and requiring a case code for database searches, stating that customer data is owned and controlled by the agencies.

The increasing number of local governments opting out of Flock Safety's surveillance technology signifies a broader public backlash against the unchecked expansion of AI-driven monitoring tools. This trend highlights a growing demand for transparency and accountability in how data is collected, stored, and utilized by law enforcement, suggesting a potential shift in the market's acceptance of mass surveillance solutions. The tangible nature of visible cameras and license plate readers makes them focal points for public discontent, contrasting with the less visible online data sharing.

This public scrutiny and subsequent policy changes could prompt other surveillance tech companies to re-evaluate their data handling practices and strengthen privacy safeguards to regain public trust. It also suggests that municipalities may become more cautious in adopting similar technologies without robust public input and oversight. The legislative actions at state and federal levels, such as the proposed Flock-Off Act, indicate a growing political will to regulate AI surveillance, potentially impacting the future development and deployment of such technologies.