Protests against Flock cameras in the United States surged to a record high in August, according to data released this week. More than 30 protests took place across at least 15 states last month, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), an independent monitor of political violence and demonstrations. This was the highest monthly total since the group began tracking opposition to Flock cameras in fall 2025. Every previous month had recorded fewer than 10 protests.
Flock Safety operates a vast network of AI-powered automated license plate readers (ALPRs) that record license plates and other characteristics of passing vehicles in thousands of communities across the U.S. The technology is used by law enforcement agencies in 49 states, allowing officers to search and share data across jurisdictions.
Police say the cameras—over 120,000 nationwide—are an invaluable crime-fighting tool, but critics argue that the pervasiveness of the cameras amounts to warrantless and unconstitutional mass surveillance and creates opportunities for police misuse.
The backlash against Flock cameras intensified this year as awareness has increased about the sweeping reach of the surveillance technology company’s network and how its data is used, amid several allegations of police officers misusing the technology. At least 149 cities have deactivated, rejected, or canceled Flock contracts, or banned ALPRs outright, since the beginning of the year.
A spokesperson for Flock Safety stated in a recent communication that it supports "thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency, and accountability guardrails that ensure technology is used responsibly while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use effective tools to keep people safe."
According to ACLED’s North America research manager Kieran Doyle, the protests are driven by public fears about surveillance and privacy sparked by the growing network of Flock cameras. "Used by police departments, neighborhood associations, and private businesses, the cameras feed into a nationwide network logging information about vehicles across the country, fuelling concerns among demonstrators about surveillance and privacy," Doyle said.
Doyle noted that public anger has also been sparked by documented cases of abuse by officials with access to Flock’s database. Police officers have been arrested, placed under investigation, and fired for looking up other people’s vehicles to stalk them. Some individuals have resorted to vandalizing Flock cameras, with at least 250 cameras reported destroyed across the country, according to FlockStats, which is not affiliated with Flock Safety.
Doyle mentioned that the backlash over Flock cameras could impact November’s midterm elections, as candidates have attacked opponents who have supported Flock. He anticipates an increase in anti-Flock sentiment and demonstration activity leading up to the elections.
Founded in 2017, Atlanta-based Flock Safety operates a nationwide network of automated cameras that capture license plate numbers and other characteristics of passing vehicles. Flock cameras log details such as license plate, make, model, color, time, and direction of vehicles. According to its website, 49 states are connected through Flock’s agency-controlled network, with Alaska being the exception.
Supporters argue that the system helps solve crimes and locate missing persons. Flock states that its network "helps law enforcement, businesses, and communities securely share vehicle evidence, uncover more leads, and solve more cases together," and that customers "stay in control of how their data is shared and accessed."
Critics, including lawmakers from both political parties, have raised concerns about the size of Flock's network and the amount of data captured. Investigations have raised questions about who can search Flock's network and how that information can be used, particularly after reports identified nearly 50 instances of police officers charged or accused of using Flock’s system for unauthorized purposes, including stalking.
Flock’s founder and CEO Garrett Langley has faced criticism for comments made in interviews regarding the scrutiny, including a statement suggesting that Americans must “compromise” on their privacy. Langley emphasized that transparency and accountability are central to the company's approach and has called for state lawmakers to pass legislation making unauthorized use of Flock data a criminal offense. He stated, "Flock's end goal isn’t a dystopian future of surveillance; it’s one where we all feel safe."