Technology
Retailers face growing pushback over surveillance agreements with Flock Safety
Advocacy groups are urging major chains to drop license plate reader contracts, according to Business Insider.
The short version
- Advocacy groups and consumers are urging retail chains including Ulta Beauty and Lowe's to drop contracts with surveillance provider Flock Safety.[Business Insider]
- Ultraviolet initiated an August 26 petition targeting Ulta over privacy worries, while Florida's Department of Transportation moved on August 31 to prohibit automated plate readers on state roads.[Business Insider]
- Ulta stated the cameras operate at fewer than 1% of its stores to assist criminal investigations into organized shoplifting.[Business Insider]
- The pushback follows previous reports highlighting accuracy concerns, including plate misreads in police alerts.[Business Insider]
Key facts
- Retailers such as Ulta Beauty and Lowe's are facing consumer pressure to cancel their surveillance agreements with Flock Safety.[Business Insider]
- An Ulta Beauty representative stated that Flock cameras operate at fewer than 1% of the chain's retail stores to aid investigations into retail theft.[Business Insider]
- Advocacy organization Ultraviolet launched a petition on August 26 demanding Ulta terminate its arrangement with Flock.[Business Insider]
- The Department of Transportation in Florida announced a ban on automated license plate readers across state roadways on August 31.[Business Insider]
- Previous reporting indicated Flock cameras in Roseville, California misread license plates in 71% of law enforcement alerts across 2023 and 2024.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- Whether retailers like Lowe's or Ulta Beauty intend to alter or discontinue their contracts with Flock Safety remains unconfirmed.[Business Insider]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- The Flock backlash is coming for retailBusiness Insider metered