Massachusetts Municipalities Cancel Flock Safety Contracts Over Privacy Concerns
What happened
Over the last 18 months, 25 municipalities in Massachusetts canceled contracts or discontinued pilot programs with Flock Safety. During a State House hearing, Massachusetts Public Safety Secretary Gina Kwon addressed the technology, stating it is a vital investigative tool that has solved crimes. Kwon noted that the technology requires a "PR makeover" to balance its use with privacy concerns.
From lowellsun.com
Why it matters
The cancellations directly reduce Flock Safety's revenue and market presence in Massachusetts. The situation also forces a policy review regarding the funding and regulation of public safety technology by the state.
Flock Safety operates automated license plate recognition systems across the state of Massachusetts.
From lowellsun.com
Who's involved
- Flock SafetySurveillance technology company whose contracts were canceled by local governments.
- MassachusettsThe state where the cancellations and legislative hearings occurred.
- city councilLocal governing bodies that canceled contracts with Flock Safety.
- stateThe government body conducting legislative oversight of the technology.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Flock SafetySpeculative
Flock Safety could experience a direct loss of 25 municipal contracts and pilot programs.
- MassachusettsSpeculative
Massachusetts could see a reduction in Flock Safety's revenue and market presence.
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The entities involved
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Flock Safety
American surveillance technology company
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Massachusetts
state of the United States of America
Related events
- The police department in La Crosse ended its contract with Flock Safety on October 23, 2026.
- A city council in Ohio terminated its contract with the surveillance technology company Flock Safety.
- Flock Safety sought a contract with Columbia County on October 11, 2026.
- Minneapolis City Council is urging the end of contracts with Flock Safety, which currently uses cameras in the city.
- The council of Avon voted to end its contract with the surveillance technology company Flock Safety on October 7, 2026.