What happens after a town de-Flocks | Cities across the US are ditching the controversial license plate-reading cameras, but some are now turning to new surveillance tools

Your location data collected by Flock cameras may still be searchable even after your city cancels its contract.

Cities across the United States are canceling contracts with Flock, a company providing AI-enabled license plate readers, due to public outcry over privacy concerns and alleged misuse of the technology. While many jurisdictions are ending their agreements, the immediate removal of cameras and deletion of collected data remain uncertain. Flock's contracts often permit the company to retain data long after services are terminated, leading to questions about its accessibility and searchability. Founded in 2017, Flock has installed over 120,000 cameras, pitching them as public safety tools. However, widespread reports of officers using the network to track ex-partners and concerns about data sharing with third parties, including potential use for immigration enforcement, have fueled opposition. Some cities, like Sheboygan, Wisconsin, ended contracts after discovering Flock attempted to sell anonymized data. In response to the backlash, Flock has introduced new requirements for search codes and audit assistance, shortened its standard data retention period to seven days, and offered agencies more control over data sharing, though privacy advocates argue these changes are insufficient.

The widespread cancellation of Flock contracts signifies a growing public demand for greater transparency and control over surveillance technologies, pushing companies to adopt more restrictive data policies. As jurisdictions end their agreements, the unresolved question of data retention and potential resale by vendors like Flock highlights a significant gap in current privacy regulations. This situation may prompt legislative action or new industry standards to govern how data collected by private surveillance tools is managed after contract termination.

The backlash against Flock also presents an opportunity for competitors like Axon, which offer integrated surveillance systems that may become the next default for law enforcement and private entities. However, privacy advocates caution that simply switching vendors will not solve the fundamental issue of mass surveillance, suggesting that a broader societal shift away from reliance on such technologies is necessary.