Why we do it:

Flock is an AI enhanced surveillance tool that collects license plates and other information from city streets. That information goes to parent company Flock, whose contracts allow varying levels of “sharing.” Police departments may be sharing all records without realizing it, or they may turn it on intentionally. In Texas, officials used Flock records to track a woman’s movements across state lines. They were investigating her for abortion. In many states ICE accesses Flock records, seeking targets. In Sanctuary states this is illegal, and police have scrambled to correct their settings—once public scrutiny began. Flock also has issues with racist queries, as well as AI’s general racial bias. Learn more about abuses that have been uncovered here.

Another Flock function is audio interpretation. Technology to triangulate gunshots so police can arrive more quickly (one city council found 99% of alerts were false alarms and cancelled the contract), Flock recently expanded this feature to detect “human distress.” It’s hard to imagine how that won’t end in tragedy at some playground or private residence.

It’s also worth noting that a court recently ruled that Flock records are public: you can obtain them with a FOIA request. While this opens up new ways to fight ICE, it also underscores a technology ripe for abuse. Records that are already public can also be checked at HaveIBeenFlocked.com Finally, Amazon Ring has recently partnered with Flock to make data available to police. Currently it is opt-in but neither company has a trustworthy track record.

How to fight back:

Since we wrote this guide, the ACLU has created a “Get The Flock Out Toolkit” that has all this and more. We’re keeping the labor below as a decent summary, but encourage you to visit the ACLU’s site to join a movement pointed in the same direction. This is organizing!

Start by identifying Flock cameras near you. They may be municipal, or they may be business-related. For example, the image on this post is likely a Home Depot installation. DeFlock.ME maintains a list of locations. BlockFlock supports citizens demands for accountability or alternative forms of security.

Business installations: if you can find a local alternative that does not have Flock, call both businesses to tell them why you’re choosing the Flockless option. If you can’t find a local alternative, it’s a harder task, but you can still pressure the business most likely to shift its policy. If one cracks, the rest will get easier. STOCKHOLDERS: you have additional power.

If your city has taken action on Flock: follow up. Some areas have publicly suspended Flock surveillance only to quietly re-implement it after attention fades. Call your city council to make sure your work still stands.

If your city already has Flock: contact city hall and the police department to ask for a copy of their policy regarding Flock data. If you live in a sanctuary state, ask what is being done to insure ICE can’t access data. Ask about deletion and privacy policies, how installation locations are being chosen (is it mostly in “some” neighborhoods?) etc. Also be aware that a court recently ruled that Flock records are public records. You can use a FOI request to get copies of areas where ICE is active, for example.

If your city is considering installing Flock: get involved. Begin by registering your disapproval with local government and the police department. Then spread the word to others, and ask them to call as well. Keep an eye out for meetings inviting public comment and see if a local Indivisible or similar group will join you in denouncing the technology.

If your city hasn’t said anything about Flock: let them know you won’t be voting for any surveillance technology. Tell them to invest in other forms of community safety, like adding mental health specialists to police welfare teams.

There are of course other direct actions being taken by citizens against flock cameras. We don’t condemn civil disobedience and direct action based on whether it is legal or illegal —even the most benign resistance will eventually be criminalized by an advanced enough fascist regime. However, this site is designed for simple steps to help you get started and we focus on tasks which are green or yellow.