Flock Safety’s AI License-Plate Cameras Spark Nationwide Backlash Over Privacy

Local authorities across the United States have adopted Flock Safety’s automated license-plate readers, which capture a digital fingerprint of every vehicle, including plate, make, model and accessories, and store the information in a centralized network. The American Civil Liberties Union reports more than 120,000 cameras operate in 49 states, allowing police to trace a car’s movements nationwide without a warrant. Investigations have uncovered officers using the system for personal stalking, leading to dismissals and firings.

Both liberal and conservative jurisdictions—such as Los Angeles, Cambridge, Florida and Tempe—have ended or paused deployments after public outcry. In response, Flock shortened its default data-retention period to seven days, but privacy advocates argue the core issue of unchecked surveillance remains. The debate echoes a two-decade-old dispute in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, where the author helped block a similar tracking proposal. As more contracts come up for renewal, officials must choose between enhanced security tools and constitutional privacy protections.