Flock Updates Security Features to Prevent Abuse by Law Enforcement

Flock, a prominent surveillance technology company, is taking steps to address concerns over the misuse of its tools by law enforcement. According to reports, some police departments across the country have been using Flock's services to stalk ex-partners and others, raising serious concerns about the company's responsibility in such instances. In an effort to rectify the situation, Flock's CEO Garrett Langley has expressed a change of heart regarding the company's role in how its tools are used.

In an interview with The Verge, Langley acknowledged that Flock has a responsibility to ensure its technology is not being exploited for malicious purposes. To address this issue, the company will be implementing several key updates over the coming weeks. One of these updates will require all users to enable the Audit Assistance feature, which flags suspicious search behavior and temporarily locks out users until their activity is reviewed by an administrator. Additionally, all users will be required to enter a valid email address to access Flock's services.

The updates aim to provide an added layer of accountability and oversight, helping to prevent potential abuses of Flock's surveillance technology. By taking these steps, the company is demonstrating its commitment to responsible innovation and ensuring that its tools are used in a manner that respects individual rights and freedoms.