Flock Safety, a US-based company, is tightening its privacy measures for automatic licence-plate readers following alarming reports of misuse by police officers. This comes after investigations revealed that at least 46 officers allegedly used the technology to stalk women, raising serious concerns about privacy and surveillance.
In response, Flock is reducing the default image retention period from 30 days to just 7 days, aiming to limit the potential for abuse. Additionally, the company is introducing an ‘evidence mode’ for exceptional cases, allowing longer retention only when necessary. This change reflects a growing awareness of the risks associated with mass surveillance technologies.
Flock is also implementing stricter access controls, enabling law enforcement agencies to filter data based on specific offences. This means that cities can restrict searches to serious crimes, such as violent offences, while blocking access for less critical issues like immigration enforcement.
Despite these changes, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed skepticism, suggesting that many of Flock’s adjustments may not adequately address the fundamental privacy concerns. As technology continues to evolve, the balance between public safety and individual privacy remains a critical issue.
Source: Al Jazeera
