AI-Driven License Plate Surveillance System Raises Privacy Concerns
Flock Safety operates an AI-enabled license plate reader network across an estimated 80,000 cameras in over 4,000 US cities. Privacy advocates reportedly raise concerns that the system enables warrantless dragnet surveillance and tracking of innocent individuals.
What happened
Flock Safety, founded in 2017, operates a large-scale AI-enabled automatic license plate reader (ALPR) network that tracks vehicles across public areas. The company leases its ALPR camera network to law enforcement and other clients, with an estimated 80,000 cameras deployed across over 4,000 cities in 42 states, earning the company $300 million in sales in 2024.
Reported impact
The system facilitates tracking of individuals across broad geographic areas, raising concerns about warrantless dragnet surveillance and privacy violations.
Index analysis
Flock's AI-enabled ALPR technology represents an upgrade to existing ALPR systems that have long been widely deployed in the United States.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.