Longmont halts Flock license plate reader data sharing, weighs ending contract
14 hours ago
- #law-enforcement
- #privacy
- #surveillance
- Longmont City Council voted 5-1 to pause sharing data collected by Flock, an AI license plate reader company.
- Council directed research into ending the Flock contract and exploring alternatives by March.
- Concerns raised about long-term privacy, security, and lack of oversight over data shared with other agencies, including potential misuse by ICE.
- Cities nationwide are canceling Flock contracts due to similar privacy concerns.
- Public comment highlighted fears about data security, potential misuse, and the ease of accessing Flock camera images.
- Flock's privacy promises questioned over data sharing in 'data clean rooms' and potential for facial recognition.
- Police warned that canceling Flock could reduce crime-solving efficiency and require additional staffing.
- Examples given where Flock helped solve crimes, including homicides and robberies.
- Criticism of Boulder's decision to renew its Flock contract, citing corporate interests over public safety.