Flock and other ALPR have a history of poor security practices, leading to data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Flock log-ins have been stolen and sold on the web (perhaps unsurprisingly, given that they don’t require two-factor authentication), and flaws in both Flock and Motorola camera systems have resulted in live camera feeds being streamed to the masses online.

Flock systems indiscriminately collect data on every vehicle that passes regardless of whether the driver is suspected of a crime. This data is typically stored for thirty days and can be used to recreate a detailed picture of individuals’ movements, behaviors, and associations without a warrant.

Flock data is regularly accessed through both official and unofficial channels by ICE, which uses this information to target their raids. Flock data has also been used to track people seeking reproductive healthcare across state lines (including in states where abortion is legal), and to profile racial minorities.

Vendors like Flock say they’re focused on ending crime, but no independent research exists to support their claims. Indeed, one study found that there is not even a moderate degree of correlation between ALPRs and stolen vehicle recoveries, let alone improved public safety.

Numerous examples exist of individual police officers across the country ignoring data retention policies, sharing data illegally, and misusing this technology to stalk or track people (e.g., partners and exes). There are few guardrails that can prevent this type of abuse, and officers are often only caught and punished after harm is done (if at all).