Flock Safety says it has changed how its automated license plate reader system stores and shares vehicle-tracking data, reducing the default retention option to 7 days and adding new limits on some police searches. According to EFF, the changes include an optional 7-day default retention period instead of 30 days, 'Evidence Mode' for longer retention tied to active investigations, offense-based filtering for inter-agency access, and stronger audit and lockout measures for suspicious queries.
Why it matters: These systems can track where large numbers of ordinary people drive, so shorter retention and tighter search controls affect public privacy and police surveillance practices nationwide. Cities, lawmakers, and civil-liberties groups now have a concrete policy benchmark to evaluate, but users and residents should note the rules are vendor-controlled and may still be changed or bypassed.
2026.08.19
93% relevant
This is a direct update on the same event: Flock’s announced policy changes after abuse scandals. The new reporting adds the CEO’s public apology, links the changes to documented officer stalking cases and ICE access concerns, and notes escalating vandalism and activist calls targeting Flock cameras.
Matthew Guariglia
2026.08.13
100% relevant
This article establishes a distinct story because it centers on newly announced Flock Safety product and policy reforms for ALPR surveillance, not a previously tracked discrete breach, exploit, or prior Flock misuse report.
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