ACLU Concerned About Data Collected By Flock Cameras

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Driving down Main Avenue, you may catch sight of one of the many Flock cameras the city of Fargo has installed. But the American Civil Liberties Union says those cameras may be doing more than just reading license plates.

“Flock cameras go into a nationwide database, and material can be shared within law enforcement without a court order or any sort of warrant. And so that raises a real concern about the need for more regulation and more transparency,” said Cody Schuler, Advocacy Manager for ACLU North Dakota

A Flock Safety spokesperson says their tools do not “watch citizens all the time” and says data is used only for legitimate investigations.

Flock recently installed a Multi-State Insights feature for law enforcement agencies to be able to share the data they collect with other states, including an AI format to notify agencies about suspected vehicles in a crime.

“Moorhead, Fargo, West Fargo, they’re already utilizing the system, and so by us utilizing the system as well, we’ll be able to share criminal intelligence with them. And that’s very important in the metro area,” said Sheriff Jesse Jahner.

After thirty days, data that includes the license plate numbers, state of plate, color, model, damage, or alterations to the vehicle is deleted from the system. While there aren’t as many Flock cameras throughout the city, discussions to place more have been mentioned previously by Sheriff Jesse Jahner.

“I think that the general public needs to be aware of their rights and how these technologies, especially if we’re talking about increasing them in the city of Fargo, you know, how that impacts people’s daily lives,” said Schuler.

Schuler has mentioned that there are currently no steps being taken by the ACLU in North Dakota on the Flock cameras. But hopes that if there are discussions that the public can participate in.