Key Takeaways
- Boston city government terminated its contract with Flock Safety.
- Flock Safety shared data from ALPR cameras nationwide, violating the contract.
- The incident was documented in Boston's annual surveillance technology report.
The Boston city government has terminated its contract with Flock Safety, citing a violation of a contract provision that prohibited the sharing of data nationwide. In a recent 'Ask the Mayor' segment on GBH News, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the decision, stating, 'We have actually abandoned Flock.'
According to the city's annual surveillance technology report, which covers the 2025 fiscal year, the Boston Police Department deployed approximately 45 Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras in a trial with Flock from April to September last year. The report highlighted a 'vendor error' that led to the unauthorized data sharing.
The data breach occurred during the initial days of the pilot, raising significant concerns about the security and privacy of the data collected by the ALPR cameras. Mayor Wu's statement came just a few days before the release of the report, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The report details the extent of the data sharing, noting that it affected a nationwide scale, which is in direct violation of the terms of the contract. This breach has prompted a reevaluation of the city's approach to surveillance technology and data privacy.
In response to the incident, the city has taken steps to ensure that similar breaches do not occur in the future. The decision to terminate the contract with Flock Safety is part of a broader effort to enhance data security and protect the privacy of Boston residents.
The annual surveillance technology report, which is a comprehensive document outlining the city's use of surveillance technology, provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the termination of the Flock contract. It highlights the importance of adhering to contractual agreements and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
The report also outlines the measures the city has taken to address the issue, including the implementation of stricter data handling protocols and the establishment of a review committee to oversee the use of surveillance technology.
While the incident has raised concerns among residents and privacy advocates, the city remains committed to maintaining a balance between public safety and data privacy. The termination of the Flock contract is seen as a necessary step in ensuring that the city's surveillance technology is used responsibly and ethically.
We have actually abandoned Flock
Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston
