Archive — US — techcrunch
LAPD lets contract with surveillance giant Flock expire, citing ‘seriousconcerns’ over civil liberties and privacy
The LAPD will allow its contract with Flock Safety, a surveillance company, to expire due to serious concerns about civil liberties and privacy. The decision follows increasing scrutiny over data collection practices and privacy implications associated with Flock's license plate cameras, which have faced backlash from communities and scrutiny over security lapses.
Key points
- LAPD ends contract with Flock Safety due to civil liberties concerns.
- Flock operates thousands of cameras nationwide for tracking vehicles.
- Concerns raised over privacy, data security, and the use of footage by federal agencies.
- LAPD seeks new contract terms to address privacy and data storage issues.
- Several U.S. cities terminated contracts with Flock for similar privacy worries.
- Flock's spokesperson expressed surprise at the contract expiration, citing misconceptions.
- Reports of surveillance misuse include false positives leading to wrongful detentions.
Why it matters
- Growing public concern about surveillance and privacy aligns with global data protection trends.
- By 2025, regulatory frameworks concerning data privacy (like GDPR) will likely enhance scrutiny on surveillance companies.
- Increased reliance on technology for law enforcement raises debates about civil rights protections and accountability.
The LAPD's decision to terminate its contract with Flock Safety highlights rising tensions between surveillance technologies and civil liberties, reflecting broader societal concerns about privacy that may shape future regulatory actions in a technological landscape.