Boston drops Flock cameras following data sharing concerns and security vulnerabilities

Boston officials have announced the termination of their contract with Flock Safety after discovering the company shared camera data with external law enforcement agencies, despite prior assurances that such sharing would be disabled. The decision follows a 2025 pilot program report highlighting these privacy breaches. Simultaneously, security researchers have identified significant vulnerabilities in Flock hardware, revealing that the cameras collect more than just license plates; they can track individuals, bicycles, and specific vehicle features. These findings raise concerns about physical device security, as unauthorized access to the hardware could expose sensitive data. Furthermore, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has reported that police officers frequently misuse data access forms, providing nonsensical justifications for tracking requests. While Boston is exploring alternatives from competitors like Motorola and Axon, the incident underscores ongoing tensions regarding the balance between public surveillance, data privacy, and the accountability of law enforcement agencies.