Flock Safety Cameras Stream Vehicle Data, Sparking Privacy Debate

A security researcher has identified a potential privacy gap in the widespread network of Flock Safety cameras.

Benn Jordan, a security researcher, discovered that dozens of Flock Safety cameras were streaming video openly online. Jordan stated that the system uses artificial intelligence to zoom in and follow people, regardless of whether they are persons of interest. This finding contrasts with Flock Safety’s public position that its cameras do not track people.

Company training materials appear to show police using the technology to monitor suspects across multiple locations. The videos depict the system tracking individuals from one location to another. Some camera models are specifically designed to follow pedestrians as they walk. Jordan noted that the AI component allows for continuous visual tracking of targets.

The expansion of these cameras has increased concerns about surveillance in everyday life. Flock Safety maintains that its primary function is to capture vehicle information. However, the ability to track individuals and the open streaming of footage have drawn scrutiny from privacy advocates.

Jordan’s discovery adds to a growing body of evidence regarding how these tools are used in practice. The researcher’s findings suggest that the technology’s capabilities may exceed its advertised features. This discrepancy between marketing claims and real-world application is central to the current debate.

The issue of camera proliferation is not limited to Flock Safety. Other systems capture similar data, but Flock Safety is a major player in the market. The company’s training videos provide a clear look at how law enforcement agencies utilize the software. These materials serve as a key document in discussions about digital surveillance.

The situation highlights the tension between public safety tools and individual privacy. As more cities and police departments adopt these systems, the number of cameras capturing data continues to rise. The open streaming of footage represents a specific technical vulnerability that could be addressed. The researcher’s work brings this vulnerability to the attention of the public and the company.