Researcher Maps 300,000 Flock Surveillance Devices, Exposing a Nationwide Tracking Network
Flock Wants the Most Detailed Map of Its Surveillance Cameras Taken Offline
A cybersecurity researcher published a map showing over 300,000 Flock surveillance devices across the US, based on location data leaked from Flock's own database. The map reveals more than 170,000 cameras and 130,000 supplemental gadgets, far exceeding Flock's public claim of 120,000 cameras. Flock allegedly ignored the researcher's vulnerability report and later denied any data breach. The map was cited in a Senate hearing and has drawn a trademark complaint from a firm working on Flock's behalf.
These cameras form a nationwide surveillance network that tracks where everyone drives, so foreign nations don't need to send spies to harm our country. They can simply watch where our soldiers, federal agents, and politicians go.
- tothrowaway
> [Doppel] filed a trademark infringement complaint regarding his site, claiming to be working on Flock’s behalf. Doppel says that the site is using the trademark “FLOCK SAFETY” without authorization
Warning to anyone who receives these types of notices from Doppel. They are a defamation-as-a-service company. If the frivolous trademark notice doesn't work, they will follow it up with a letter to your host claiming that you're running a phishing website. If your host is lazy and paranoid (like OVH), they will block your IP immediately, and you'll have to deal with the fallout. Expect the letter to be sent on a Friday afternoon too.
- rglover
IMO, when they have to hide, that's the beginning of the end. Too many people are aware of the what/why now. And above all else, once the tables turn on elected officials and they realize they're under the same surveillance, I bet their tune will change (likely due to a public egg-on-face moment involving illegal or suspicious activity). If people keep the pressure on, this will be a "remember when" rather quickly.
- bilekas
I am starting a surveillance company in the US. I'll sell the data to anyone who wants. I'll put cameras up wherever I like, call it protection of the people, the police will enjoy it doing a lot of work for them and then I'll point cameras squarely at my competition, 24 hours a day, 365 a year, until they ask for regulations.
If anyone would like to kickstart let me know.
- derbOac
If Flock wants to be used by public services, it should be subject to maximum transparency. If you don't want your camera locations public, don't offer them to the public for their use.
- AKSF_Ackermann
I would like to point out that the website in question has a button to download the entire dataset. Probably would be a good idea to save a copy.