Flock's rapidly expanding AI licence plate surveillance network sparks growing backlash in the US
A network of AI-powered licence plate readers operated by private company Flock has grown to about 130,000 units across the US, raising privacy concerns and triggering protests. The system is mainly used by law enforcement agencies.
A network of artificial intelligence-powered licence plate readers, run by the private company Flock, is expanding rapidly across the United States. According to available data, roughly 130,000 of these devices are now installed nationwide, with the majority used by police and other law enforcement agencies.
The rapid growth of the network has fuelled increasing public concern over privacy. Residents and various organisations have begun staging protests against the system's widespread use, arguing it could threaten people's right to privacy.
How the system works and the criticism it faces
BBC Verify journalists examined how the Flock system operates and why it is facing a growing backlash across the US. The cameras automatically scan and log vehicle licence plates, generating a large volume of data used for law enforcement purposes.
The report was compiled by BBC Verify correspondent Jake Horton, produced by Krystal Campos, with graphics by Leo Scutt-Richter.
The use of such mass surveillance technology and its impact on privacy continues to spark debate in the US, as the network keeps expanding across the country.
