Flock cameras spotted hiding inside speed signs from a growing backlash as Wisconsin officials resort to covering ALPRs with trash bags after company refuses to take them down

Date:
Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:46:03 +0000

Description:
Flock cameras are still getting heated backlash, and now these ALPR systems are being hidden inside speed signs.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The Flock backlash is growing, and city officials have started covering ALPR cameras with trash bags Some cameras are even being smashed up A handful of Flock cameras have been
spotted inside speed signs out of sight from drivers The recent backlash to security company Flock highlights severe privacy concerns with its Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems and local authorities are taking matters into their own hands.

In an article by 404media , city officials of Verona, Wisconsin have been protesting Flocks ubiquitous surveillance cameras by covering them with black bags. The move follows a council vote to remove three cameras from the area, which Flock refused to take down according to recently exchanged emails. We kind of looked at the contract, talked it over amongst staff, and the thing
we felt most comfortable with was just covering them so they could stop
spying on people Im 100% certain that they were still working," said Luke Diaz, Mayor of Verona. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

But for some residents, covering Flocks ALPR systems with trash bags simply isnt enough to give them peace of mind some are going the extra mile by smashing Flocks surveillance cameras, according to an article shared to
Reddit . Comment from r/technology Just yesterday (July 22), Flock decided to abandon its plans to roll out its human distress detection feature beyond the trial period. This tool used Flocks urban acoustic microphones to detect sounds such as human screaming, and would then alert local police allowing them to reach the incident quickly. You may like LAPD cites privacy concerns as it drops Flock surveillance cameras Flock pulls plans to use its mic network to monitor for 'human distress' This free tool is helping drivers avoid automatic license plate readers

Though these detectors are still in place, they can no longer pick up on
human activity, and instead listen out for sounds such as gun shots or
vehicle crashes. For those who have actively campaigned against this, its a huge win, but the microphones that remain in place are still sparking widespread concern regarding civil privacy, even though Flock says these systems cannot understand or analyze speech. The People vs Flock Since Flocks ALPR systems became a means of public surveillance, the tech firm has been
met with waves of backlash to the extent where the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has launched campaigns against these types of systems claiming Flock is quietly trying to build a nationwide mass surveillance system. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Public concern has become so heated, some local authorities are pumping the breaks on introducing Flock cameras to certain areas. The LAPD is one of the most recent police departments that has acted on this , making the decision not to renew its contract with the tech company.

However, there are countless cities across the US that still have these systems in place and not only is the number increasing, the tech is getting smarter. ALPR systems dont just capture your license plate, they are designed to identify your vehicles make and model, as well as its color and things
such as bumps, scratches, and accessories like bumper stickers.

As a result of the rapidly advancing technology, drivers have been seeking ways to avoid areas where these systems are in place the website DeFlock allows you to plan routes that actively avoid Flocks cameras. Naturally, some local authorities are camouflaging its Flock ALPR systems to prevent vandalism. What to read next California city approves the use of Flock drones as first responders The smart glasses backlash hits new heights as celebs and activists unite AI traffic cameras that can catch you texting spark backlash in Mississippi They are hiding Flock cameras now, secret compartment found in speed radar box pic.twitter.com/4kkeRsKufi July 22, 2026 In a video shared to X by @OrwellDay (see above), the user captured footage of what looks like a regular speed-display sign, but uncovered a hidden Flock camera placed around the back. Someone did some custom metal fabricating, they say.

Quite a sneaky tactic, right? It doesnt end there, and according to the replies on Reddit, these systems arent just being concealed inside speed signs. One user claims that ALPR systems are being hidden in fake cacti in some parts of Arizona, making it more difficult for tools like DeFlock to
list the locations of cameras.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to avoid the watchful eye of Flock's
ALPR cameras, but it seems that residents will stop at nothing to find ways
to combat the rise of these counteractive measures. Follow TechRadar on
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/computing-security/flock-cameras-spotted-h iding-inside-speed-signs-from-a-growing-backlash-as-wisconsin-officials-resort -to-covering-alprs-with-trash-bags-after-company-refuses-to-take-them-down


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