Here’s the latest I can provide based on current public reporting.
Direct answer
- There are ongoing discussions and concern around Flock Safety’s surveillance technology, including protective measures, privacy safeguards, and the use of their license plate reader (ALPR) systems by local and federal agencies. Several reports in 2025–2026 highlighted scrutiny over data sharing, potential overreach, and calls for stronger oversight, with some cities and jurisdictions reevaluating or pausing deployments. For example, media and advocacy groups have raised alarms about privacy risks and potential harms, while the company has issued statements describing training and governance efforts to address these concerns. [Based on multiple public sources cited in late 2025–mid-2026 coverage.]
Key topics and recent developments
- Privacy and civil rights concerns: ALPR technology can raise privacy issues and risks of misuse or data sharing with government agencies. Advocates have called for stronger protections and clearer data governance. [Sources discussing concerns and risk framing.]
- Corporate responses and governance: Flock Safety has published statements and blog posts outlining training, transparency initiatives, and ongoing communication with agencies to promote responsible use. [Company statements and responses.]
- Public and municipal actions: Some cities or local jurisdictions have paused or reconsidered deployments in light of concerns, and there has been ongoing discussion about best practices, auditing, and community trust. [Media coverage detailing shifts in adoption.]
What this means for you in Montréal, QC
- If you’re looking at “flock safety” in the sense of local law-enforcement surveillance tech, the key themes—privacy protections, oversight, data governance, and community transparency—are globally relevant. In Quebec/Canada, data privacy regs (e.g., PIPEDA at the federal level and provincial privacy laws) would influence use and deployment of similar technology, including requirements for consent, data minimization, retention limits, and government access controls. You’d want to watch for any provincial announcements or municipal council discussions about similar ALPR deployments and privacy safeguards. For precise, local developments, I’d check recent municipal council agendas or provincial privacy commission updates. [General privacy law context applicable to Canada.]
Would you like:
- A concise, source-cited briefing with the most recent public statements from Flock Safety and notable coverage from 2025–2026, tailored for a Montreal audience?
- A quick explainer of how ALPR systems work, plus a checklist of privacy safeguards that municipalities typically consider (data minimization, access controls, audits, impact assessments)?
- Help locating Canadian or Quebec privacy guidance or case studies related to ALPR-like deployments?