Flock Safety abandons audio surveillance pilot after public backlash, civil liberties concerns

Flock Safety abandons audio surveillance pilot after public backlash, civil liberties concerns

Flock Safety canceled its audio “distress detection” pilot program that used microphones to monitor public spaces for sounds of screaming, citing community consultation, but thousands of audio devices remain installed nationwide.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation announced the decision July 17, 2026, following widespread public pressure and civil liberties concerns.
The feature raised alarms over potential Fourth Amendment violations and could have allowed police to swarm communities based on audio triggers.
Despite canceling this specific pilot, Flock retains thousands of audio surveillance devices installed across U.S. communities.
Vandalism of Flock cameras has become widespread, with perpetrators regarded as “folk heroes” by growing anti-surveillance movements.

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