Hackers Crack Open a Flock Camera, Exposing Hidden Surveillance Powers

Security researchers say they were able to gain access to a Flock Safety license-plate reading camera, revealing internal system functions and data-sharing capabilities that go beyond what the company has publicly described. The findings raise fresh questions about oversight of a surveillance network that has expanded rapidly across U.S. towns and cities.

Privacy advocates say the disclosure adds to a growing list of concerns about how automated license-plate reader data is stored, shared between agencies, and secured against unauthorized access. Flock Safety has said it takes security seriously and continues to update its systems, but critics argue the incident shows the need for stronger independent audits of surveillance technology before it is deployed at scale.