If you aren’t already aware, your community is likely riddled with automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras that track your car’s movements 24/7… for “safety”? Even though you aren’t a criminal or suspect…. And it gets better: the private companies that develop these ALPRs, like Flock, own the data collected by them and have been known to store data insecurely, secretly sell and share data with federal agencies, and lie to the public about it (more info below). Attend our training this week to learn more about ALPRs and what we’re doing to get them out of OC!

Nice neighborhood, Flock agrees

The security camera company, Flock, is collaborating with law enforcement across Orange County to install cameras called Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs or LPRs) on in our neighborhoods, streets, and community parks. These cameras capture information and details 24/7 about your car or bicycle including your license plate, car dents, vehicle color, bumper stickers, and the date and time when you pass through a road. This information can then be used to create a "Vehicle Fingerprint" of any vehicle.

Why should you be concerned

Vehicle Footprints can be used to track where you recently drove to, where you live, your favorite grocery store, and the location of people you are connected to. They track you regardless of whether you are suspected of a crime. Flock's data is known to be secretly shared with I.C.E. agents to aid mass deportations, have been utilized by Texas officers to track a woman seeking an abortion, and abused by officers to stalk their exes. This data also has the risk of misuse by leading to false arrests and profiling. The burden of proof has been shifted from the accuser to the accused. What is even worse is that there is no substantial evidence to prove that ALPRs can reduce crime.

Oops, your data has leaked

There have been multiple instances of Flock ALPRs having no measures properly secure the data. Flock data has been lacked by hackers, some cameras lack any encryption, and other cameras don't have a password set at all! This means this data can be accessed by criminals and stalkers. How ironic... The carelessness of Flock, law enforcement, and the federal government with the data they collect on us exposes that they don't care about your safety. They only care about enforcing the rules serves their own agenda.

What can you do

The good news is that 80 cities across the US have terminated their ALPR contracts. Flock also tried to collaborate with Amazon's Ring to make video data collection easier, but public backlash forced Ring to cancel their partnership. This is proof local pressure does stop Flock's agenda. We at Sunrise OC believe tools of mass surveillance undermine our country's democratic principles and endanger our communities. We must demand our elected leaders put a stop to this.

If want to learn more about Flock and ALPRs, join us for our Flight School Community Training on July 14 and July 16! In this training, we will discuss what actions we are taking to get them out of OC (starting in Costa Mesa), inform you more on ALPRs, and how you can get involved. We will provide you dinner and we look forward to seeing you there!
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#GetTheFlockOut