WSJ Tech News Briefing · Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Surveillance tech company Flock Safety has implemented stricter rules for police searching its license plate database, according to a letter from its Chief Legal Officer. New measures include standardized search categories and a shift from a free-text reason for search to a more structured process. This comes as the company faces backlash over privacy concerns and potential misuse of its technology, which can scan billions of plates monthly.
“Surveillance tech company Flock Safety told the US Senate it has tightened requirements for police officers and other users to search its database of license plates, amid concerns about misuse.”
“Previously, users could fill in a text box with their reason for search.”
“In response, earlier this year, the company rolled out a new system that flags unusual use and reduced its default data retention for new clients from 30 days to 7 days.”