US cities end Flock camera contracts amid data-retention concerns

Local governments across the US are canceling contracts with Flock, whose AI-enabled license-plate readers are used by public and private customers, The Verge reported. The article cites cancellations and camera shutdowns in several jurisdictions after concerns about data sharing, retention and access by third parties. Flock has shortened its standard data-retention period from 30 to seven days and added mandatory case codes and query monitoring, though jurisdictions can extend retention. Privacy advocates told the publication the changes do not resolve broader surveillance risks.