- A vigilante known as 'NoMark' has been disabling Flock Safety's automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Minneapolis, citing surveillance concerns.
- Flock Safety's ALPRs, used by law enforcement across the US, have sparked backlash from privacy advocates who view them as mass surveillance tools.
- Vigilantes nationwide are damaging or obstructing Flock cameras, with at least 33 documented incidents across 23 states, often to protest surveillance.
- Flock argues its cameras aid public safety by helping investigations and real-time crime alerts, while critics fear misuse and warrantless tracking.
- Some vigilantes face criminal charges, but others remain undeterred, seeing their actions as a catalyst for broader privacy movements.
- Privacy advocates pursue policy changes, such as requiring warrants for Flock data, while grassroots groups like DeFlock map ALPR locations and offer avoidance tools.
- Flock has adapted to backlash by canceling features like 'human distress detection' and offering protection plans for damaged cameras.
- Online communities support anti-Flock activism by sharing strategies and alibis, while some influencers capitalize on negative public perception of the company.