Flock Spyware Cameras

To The Editor:

Flock “Safety” is a private company which is responsible for the network of over 95,000 cameras installed across the United States. These cameras are installed along roadways, walking paths in the woods, and even in school gyms. These cameras are marketed on a local level to towns, in the name of safety. When you pass by one of these cameras, in your car, on a bike, or on foot, the camera logs your location with a timestamp and stores that in a database. If you’re on a bike or in a car, the cameras store your license plate number, car make, model, and color, as well as any identifying features of your vehicle, such as bumper stickers, roof racks, and dents or scratches. This information is compiled into databases which can be searched to find a complete record of anytime you’ve passed one of these cameras. This information is gathered from everyone who passes by, regardless of whether or not they’ve committed a crime. Some models of these cameras, installed on walking and biking trails, will automatically pan/tilt/zoom to people walking nearby.