Flock Cameras Get Abuse Fixes Amid Public Outcry

Flock, a company known for its surveillance cameras, is rolling out updates to address concerns about potential misuse by law enforcement. A previously optional audit feature, designed to flag 'abnormal search behavior,' will now be mandatory and automatically lock out suspicious users until reviewed by an administrator. Police will also be required to input case codes for searches, aiming to limit personal queries.

The company is also reducing the data retention period for its Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) data from 30 days to one week. While exceptions exist for active investigations, this change primarily applies to new customers. These policy shifts come after years of public criticism and accusations that Flock cameras are used for more than just license plate reading, including alleged tracking for personal reasons and sharing data with immigration authorities.

The backlash has led to some law enforcement agencies discontinuing their use of Flock cameras, and instances of vandalism and theft targeting the cameras have been reported across the country. The company's CEO has recently adopted a more conciliatory tone, acknowledging the impact of the technology and seeking a "fair shot" after initial combative responses to critics.