New tool exposes Flock camera searches, highlighting privacy tensions
A new website, HaveIBeenFlocked, allows drivers to check if their license plates were searched by law enforcement using Flock Safety cameras. The tool relies on audit logs obtained through public records requests from over 6,500 agencies. While it reveals search reasons, it does not confirm if a vehicle passed a camera. Flock Safety, which operates over 120,000 AI-powered cameras, faces growing backlash over privacy concerns and data-sharing with immigration enforcement.
Key points
- HaveIBeenFlocked compiles Flock audit logs via FOIA requests from 6,586 agencies.
- The site shows if a license plate was searched and the stated reason, but not if the car passed a camera.
- Flock Safety operates over 120,000 AI-powered cameras across the US.
- Backlash includes physical attacks on cameras and cities like Syracuse replacing Flock with Axon systems.
- Flock plans to add a tool to flag abnormal searches by January 1 to address abuse concerns.
Background
Flock Safety has faced increasing scrutiny over its AI-powered license plate reader network, which shares data with police and local governments. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about potential misuse and data-sharing with federal immigration enforcement. In July 2026, Syracuse replaced Flock cameras with Axon systems due to unmet installation promises and data-sharing concerns. Flock announced plans to introduce an abnormal-search flagging tool by January 1 to curb misuse.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Post emphasizes the tool’s utility for checking if a license plate was searched, noting that appearing in the database does not imply an investigation. WSTM highlights Syracuse’s switch to Axon cameras due to Flock’s data-sharing with ICE and unmet installation promises. AP News focuses on Flock’s platform changes amid public backlash, framing the controversy as a balance between law enforcement utility and privacy concerns. All sources agree on the tool’s reliance on FOIA-sourced audit logs but differ in emphasis: Post on transparency, WSTM on local policy shifts, and AP on corporate response to backlash.
Why it matters
The tool exposes gaps in transparency for a surveillance system used by thousands of agencies, raising questions about privacy and accountability. It reflects growing public resistance to AI-powered surveillance and may influence future policy decisions on license plate reader deployments.
What to watch
Flock Safety plans to implement an abnormal-search flagging tool by January 1 to address abuse concerns. Cities may continue replacing Flock systems with alternatives like Axon, and public scrutiny of license plate reader networks is likely to intensify.
- Has your car been recorded or license plate searched? ‘Have I Been Flocked’ site lets you check nypost.com
- Website tells you if Flock has searched for your license plate in their database WSTM
- 'Have I Been Flocked' website lets drivers find out if their vehicles have been searched in Flock camera system KING5.com
- Flock announces changes amid backlash over its license plate reader network AP News
- Was your license plate searched in Flock's system? Connecticut drivers can check CT Insider
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