Flock cameras come at a cost to privacy

The Forest Home Township Board approved rental of a Flock Safety camera in July. The annual rent is approximately $3,000.00. There are eight Flock Cameras in Antrim County with three more planned.

Antrim County residents need to be informed about Flock devices. Flock is a privately owned company estimated to be worth three billion dollars. Local governments across the country subscribe to Flock, which installs and maintains autonomous solar-powered cameras that read the license plate of every passing car, capturing color, make and model, bumper stickers and more. AI software generates a searchable database that Flock privately owns. Anyone with access can search your car’s location across Flock’s network of devices. 

Many crimes have been solved and many missing persons located with the aid of Flock’s database. It is reasonable for sheriffs and police to want Flock cameras. Law enforcement is organized and funded to solve and prevent crimes. I have no argument with the importance of those goals.  

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