Across the US, people are dismantling and destroying Flock surveillance cameras
Hacker News
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Across the United States, a growing backlash against Flock surveillance cameras has led to incidents of vandalism and destruction in multiple states. These devices, which use automatic license plate readers (ALPR) to collect data on vehicles and their movements without warrants, have become a focal point of concern due to their ties to ICE and controversial data practices. In recent months, individuals have deliberately smashed or dismantled Flock cameras, leaving clear evidence of intentional sabotage. This wave of opposition gained momentum after several cities, including La Mesa, California, decided to continue using the technology despite public protests.
Flock, a $7.5 billion startup based in Atlanta, operates in over 6,000 U.S. communities. Their ALPR systems not only capture license plate data but also gather additional identifying information about vehicles and their owners, enabling law enforcement to track movements without warrants. This lack of oversight has raised significant privacy concerns, as the collected data is often shared with ICE, leading critics to label it an Orwellian violation of constitutional rights.
The backlash against Flock reflects a broader skepticism toward surveillance technologies and their potential for misuse. Cases such as a Georgia police chief misusing Flock data to harass citizens and instances where Flock has been used to track individuals seeking abortions in states where the procedure is illegal have further fueled public distrust. Municipalities have also reported unauthorized access to Flock data by federal agencies, highlighting systemic issues with transparency and accountability.
This controversy matters deeply to tech-savvy readers who are increasingly vocal about balancing innovation with privacy rights. The destruction of Flock cameras underscores a rising resistance against technologies that erode personal freedoms and enable invasive surveillance. As the debate over AI-driven tools intensifies, this case highlights critical questions about corporate responsibility, government oversight, and the ethical use of data in modern society.
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/20/2026