Flock Surveillance Cameras Destroyed by Americans

Brian Merchant from Blood in the Machine reports a trend of people in the U.S. dismantling Flock surveillance cameras amidst public anger over their use in aiding U.S. immigration authorities and deportations. Flock, an Atlanta-based startup valued at $7.5 billion, makes license plate readers criticized for allowing federal authorities access to their vast network. Although Flock claims not to share data directly with ICE, local police reportedly share access with federal bodies. Some communities are urging cities to cancel Flock contracts, while others take action independently, dismantling cameras. Recent vandalism occurred in La Mesa, California, after a city council decision to continue using Flock cameras despite public opposition. Incidents have also been reported in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Virginia, and Oregon, where several cameras were destroyed, and a note mocking the technology was found. DeFlock, a project mapping license plate readers, states there are around 80,000 cameras nationwide. Some cities have rejected Flock’s cameras, and police departments have blocked federal access. Flock did not respond to requests for comment.