Hackers reveal Flock cameras track cars and people alike

Hackers have exposed that Flock Safety cameras don't just track cars—they can detect people. One compromised camera captured 1.6 million images, according to Ars Technica. This matters because it normalizes mass surveillance in public spaces without public consent.

How did we get here?

Flock Safety markets itself as a license plate reader company for neighborhoods and police. Its AI-powered cameras promise to cut crime. But the line between safety and spying blurs when the same hardware can identify faces and movement patterns.

The hack details

Attackers accessed a Flock camera and found its computer vision software classifies objects beyond vehicles. Specifically:

• 1.6 million images stored on a single device.
• Ability to detect people walking, not just cars.
• Data includes timestamps and precise locations.

This isn't a flaw—it's how the system works by design. The company claims it only shares data with authorities, but the hack proves the volume and sensitivity of the information is staggering.

Analysis: who wins and who loses?

Winners: surveillance vendors and police departments that buy this data without a warrant. Losers: citizens, who are tracked without consent. My take: Flock sells "safety," but builds a private panopticon. AI isn't neutral; it amplifies the power of whoever controls it.

Implications

Expect lawsuits and regulatory pressure on AI cameras. It will also force other surveillance companies to be more transparent. Meanwhile, millions of images keep circulating. Next time you see a Flock camera, ask: who's watching, and why?

Source: Ars Technica