Boston drops Flock after outside agencies gained access to vehicle data
a month ago by VetOfTheSeas to c/DeFlock
When Flock and the Boston Police Department began its contract for 156 days at no cost to the city from April 1, 2025 to Sept. 4, 2025, the "contract clearly noted that data sharing was to be disabled, and BPD confirmed with Flock that settings were 'off' for sharing," read the 2025 annual report slated to be released Monday, WBUR reported.
However, "within three days of initiating the Pilot, BPD became aware that other law enforcement agencies were able to access license plate and vehicle information," blaming an "error" by Flock, according to WBUR.
Considering this was a 5 month trial period, possibly nothing. It's not something they've been using for years like other departments. Definitely need to keep an eye out, but a trial for a new tool and immediately having the industry leader break the contract tends to leave a bad impression of the industry to those making decisions.
Is it possible there was an actual error? Yes. But given everything we know about Flock, the chance of that is infinitely small, like subatomic small.
@sh.itjust.works
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are AI-powered cameras that capture and analyze images of all passing vehicles, storing details like your car’s location, date, and time. They also capture your car’s make, model, color, and identifying features such as dents, roof racks, and bumper stickers, often turning these into searchable data points. These cameras collect data on millions of vehicles—regardless of whether the driver is suspected of a crime. While these systems can be useful for tracking stolen cars or wanted individuals, they are mostly used to track the movements of innocent people.
Learn more at deflock.me
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@sh.itjust.works
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are AI-powered cameras that capture and analyze images of all passing vehicles, storing details like your car’s location, date, and time. They also capture your car’s make, model, color, and identifying features such as dents, roof racks, and bumper stickers, often turning these into searchable data points. These cameras collect data on millions of vehicles—regardless of whether the driver is suspected of a crime. While these systems can be useful for tracking stolen cars or wanted individuals, they are mostly used to track the movements of innocent people.
Learn more at deflock.me
go to feed...
…and replaced it with?
Getting rid of Flock is great. But then turning around and buying Axon isn’t.
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