Surveillance technology company Flock announces it will tighten officers’ access to its nationwide network of automatic license plate readers. The changes restrict how police use the network, in response to mounting public and political scrutiny over allegations of misuse and broader concerns about mass surveillance.
Both outlets report that the company says the adjustments are intended to address problems raised in recent coverage, including claims that officers have used license plate reader data for improper purposes. Mother Jones links the controversy to reports dating back to at least 2021, describing abuse such as stalking. MIT Technology Review frames the move as part of Flock’s effort to reduce backlash, regain public trust, and potentially recover contracts that were reportedly lost.
While Flock’s blog announcement does not fully detail all specifics in the excerpts provided, the overall direction is consistent: Flock modifies access controls for its network of more than 120,000 readers, positioning the update as a response to criticism of police-tech deployment and use.
