Flock, an AI license plate surveillance startup, has reportedly installed hundreds of cameras without proper permissions. Based in Atlanta, the company has deployed its car tracking cameras across 4,000 cities within 42 states accruing hefty profits by delivering its AI tracking hardware and software to local police departments. Flock’s software pairs vehicle features with license plate numbers from the DOT (Department of Transportation) database.

Flock’s rapid growth, reported to be almost 2,700% since 2020, has come under scrutiny as Forbes noted the company’s frequently bypassed permitting procedures for camera installation. Flock’s apparent disregard for necessary permissions is problematic as installing devices on state infrastructure without DOT approval is illegal in Florida, Illinois, and South Carolina. The company has also encountered issues in Texas and Washington states.

Notably, in South Carolina, State Transportation Secretary Christy Hall stated that her team located over 200 Flock cameras installed without permits during routine public road monitoring. As a result, a moratorium was issued on further installations and a full safety and compliance review of existing cameras initiated.

Another contentious issue is the handling and access to the tracking data collected by Flock’s cameras. The company’s CEO, Garrett Langley, revealed that its cameras cover almost 70% of the population and help to solve approximately 2,200 crimes per day. One contract in Riverside County, California comprises a network of 309 cameras scanning 27.5 million cars monthly. However, the use of such data is a concern, as voiced by South Carolina Rep. Todd Rutherford who questioned its access, retention and the loss of personal freedom due to unknowing surveillance.

Ultimately, Flock’s growth and crime-solving efficiency is hampered by its alleged failure to follow installation laws and its opaque handling of surveillance data. Its future operations remain uncertain amidst ongoing investigations and legal disputes.

Source: Flock, the AI license plate surveillance startup, put up cameras without permits.