Flock Cuts Data Retention, Tightens Controls After Police Misuse Cases
Flock CEO Garrett Langley apologized and announced cuts to the company's license-plate camera data-retention and access controls after revelations of police misuse on August 13, 2026.[1]
Under the changes, Flock will cut its default retention period from 30 days to seven days, with longer storage available only when users switch on an Evidence Mode tied to investigations.[1] All searches will require a case code except in defined emergencies, and Flock will require all law-enforcement customers to enable by year-end a tool that flags abnormal searches and can lock out users.[1]
A Washington Post report identified 46 cases in which officers allegedly misused Flock data access, including instances of stalking women, and civil-liberties groups such as the ACLU renewed calls for stricter oversight.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On August 13, 2026, Flock CEO Garrett Langley apologized for misuse of the company’s license plate camera data by law enforcement officers.
- Flock will reduce its default data retention period from 30 days to seven days, with longer storage only via an Evidence Mode linked to investigations.
- All searches will require a case code except in defined emergencies, and all law-enforcement customers must by year-end enable a tool that flags abnormal search behavior and can lock out users.
- A Washington Post report cited 46 cases in which officers allegedly abused Flock data access, including to stalk women, prompting renewed scrutiny from civil-liberties groups such as the ACLU.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time