The subject of Flock cameras, which use automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology, has been highly controversial, as people have raised privacy-related concerns, with some even going as far as damaging the cameras. As a result, the authorities are reportedly monitoring people and activists on social media who oppose the use of ALPRs.
According to a report by 404 Media, “government surveillance centers” are keeping watch on anti-Flock Instagram posts and are notifying local law enforcement agencies about planned DeFlock events. This also includes one event scheduled for the upcoming week.
As a result, the police have been asked to “increase patrols around ALPRs.” Law enforcement briefings accessed by the outlet through a public records request documented incidents related to Flock camera vandalism and warned about gatherings such as the DeFlock “National Week of Action Against Automated License Plate Readers” that discuss the dangers of mass surveillance.
The report further states that these documents are treated as intelligence bulletins and marked “Law Enforcement Sensitive.” DeFlock, which has attracted significant attention, is a crowdsourced map of Flock camera locations that allows users to locate these devices.
A warning from the Colorado Information Analysis Center states that “people have begun utilizing the (DeFlock) app to locate and then destroy or disable the ALPRs. Multiple public accounts are posting videos of individuals vandalizing these cameras, adding momentum to the online discourse and influencing others to do the same.”
One bulletin stated that “other online groups and individuals are encouraging the destruction of ALPRs and are sharing tactics and techniques through social media by providing detailed instructions on how to damage or disable ALPR cameras, poles, and solar panels.”
The creator of DeFlock, Will Freeman, distanced himself and the app from Flock vandalism incidents. He told 404 Media:
“DeFlock has never called for disabling cameras or covering license plates, contrary to what recent law enforcement bulletins claim. DeFlock is a grassroots project that started in 2024, focused on maintaining a public map of surveillance infrastructure and encouraging civic engagement, such as contacting local representatives, hosting public awareness events like scavenger hunts, and educational outreach.
“This has worked for nearly two years, with over 100 contracts canceled through legitimate public engagement. Some of the activity referenced in these bulletins originates from accounts using the DeFlock name without our authorization.”
Freeman also explained how he maintains neutrality, even moderating posts on the site. He added:
“Definitely caused by people on social media who aren’t us. I think it just shows that people are independently upset at the installation of these without their knowledge or consent. I try to be as neutral as possible with DeFlock and let people come to their own conclusions. I even changed the language on the site from ‘You’re being tracked!’ to ‘an open source project mapping ALPRs.’ For the most part, the idea of these upsets almost everyone.”
Flock Safety stated that while “people have every right to make their voices heard, but criminal acts should never be part of that process.”
Considering the Flock ALPR saga, one thing is clear: there is resistance from people who don’t want to have their privacy invaded, even when justified as being for ‘security purposes,’ and that is where the line could be drawn. Nearly 100 U.S. cities and local jurisdictions have canceled Flock camera contracts, and with reports emerging about police officers using these devices to stalk citizens, including women in their personal capacity, it would be concerning to anyone.
Motorbiscuit recently reported that a man from North Manchester, Indiana, who criticized the local government and the police, was repeatedly tracked and followed by officers no matter where he went, despite not being charged with a crime. While surveillance devices like Flock cameras can have advantages since they help track criminal activity, incidents like these reveal how they can be misused for improper purposes.
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