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A surveillance technology company has become the unexpected target of a broad coalition of activists and politicians in 2026. Flock Safety, which manufactures and leases automated license plate reader cameras to municipalities and neighborhoods across the United States, now faces intense scrutiny from groups ranging from privacy advocates to politicians across the political spectrum. The company’s network of interconnected cameras has emerged as a central issue in the current election cycle, with critics arguing the system poses unprecedented threats to American privacy rights.
Security researchers have taken to the streets to document Flock’s surveillance infrastructure firsthand. Using specialized equipment and night vision technology, investigators track the locations and capabilities of the cameras, which capture vehicle information and other identifying data at scale. The hands-on investigation has highlighted concerns about how the technology operates and what information it collects beyond its stated purpose of vehicle identification.
Opposition to Flock has crossed traditional political divides. A Tennessee Republican representative introduced federal legislation aimed at restricting government use of mass surveillance technology, specifically mentioning Flock cameras and facial recognition systems. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates have incorporated criticism of the company into campaign messaging. Privacy experts warn that despite the company’s claims of focusing only on vehicles, the cameras’ capabilities extend far beyond their original purpose, creating comprehensive tracking systems with significant vulnerabilities.
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Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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