If you’ve walked around your own neighborhood or city, have you ever noticed random cameras placed everywhere? If so, you may be living in a neighborhood that is overseen by Flock cameras. Now, a Georgia woman is speaking out about these cameras and how they pose major privacy concerns.
These Flock cameras may sound like a good thing on paper because who doesn’t want to be able to track their stolen vehicle or find a suspect? However, TikTok user Mkrunsplaces, MK, argues it means she, and wherever else the cameras show up, means you’re “living under one of the largest mass surveillance programs” in the U.S.
It’s not all conjecture though. The company Flock itself was built on being an alleged “crime deterrent” with the ability to allow police to “build safer communities.” However, people are concerned because of their privacy being violated by Flock. On top of that, they believe the AI system will engage in “abuse of power” in whatever way it can.
Although Flock’s own website states the company doesn’t “work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or any other sub-agency of the Department of Homeland Security.” However, as MK points out, Flock has allegedly done exactly that, such as an article from ACPC in which Flock’s database was used by Atlanta police to find immigrants.
The breach of privacy extends to interpersonal relationships, too. MK offers another alleged example, in which a former Orange County officer used Flock cameras to “stalk their ex-girlfriends.” That particular instance was reported by KTLA. To MK, the biggest concern is just privacy in general. She says, “If you just want to avoid being part of a massive surveillance network every time you leave your door, that’s very difficult.” Flock showed up in her own neighborhood, and now these cameras can track her movements wherever she goes.
MK makes some strong points about how electing the right officials can ensure our “tax dollars” are spent in the best ways. It could eliminate corporations like Flock from coming to major neighborhoods. She says people need to keep their eyes open to these aspects to protect themselves.
People Online Are Unconvinced Flock Cameras Have Any Value
MK’s video went viral, with TikTokers sharing their concerns with her about the legalities surrounding Flock. One commenter stated, “Many security ‘products’ have little to do with safety despite that being the selling point.”
Another shared, “I live in the middle of nowhere and have THREE that have popped up on the country roads on my drive to work.” One commenter added, “The HOA in my neighborhood just had these installed at the entrances and then doubled our annual HOA fee.”
One TikTok user, who claimed their husband had served on a grand jury stated, “These are used as evidence in criminal cases.” Others added the potential double-dipping by having AI then scan the data.
Among the top comments was a concerned citizen who shared a site called Deflock. It’s a living map that marks where Flock cameras are located. Numerous commenters were completely unaware Flock cameras were near them. “Lowes having them in their parking lots says all I need to know about racism,” wrote one viewer. “Omfg I have one right by me and I had no idea.”
Even with the provided security excuse, people online aren’t feeling safer. Given the comments, people outright despise being tracked, even if you’re just jogging. As MK put it in the caption of her video, “How we’re tracked and who benefits is inherently political.”
