Oklahoma’s Fight Against Flock Cameras Just Took a Wild Turn

When we last talked about the mass surveillance network of Flock Cameras across Oklahoma, everyone seemed to be too focused on data centers to really take notice. But here we are months later, and it appears Oklahomans are revolting against being spied on.

If this is still new to you, Flock is a private company that contracts with what seems like every municipality across the country inside a loophole that allows constant surveillance of the public. Granted, anything that is public has no reasonable expectation of privacy, but the worry is that while this may be intended for the greater good, it could all just be another means for predators to do their hunting.

Case in Point

There are tons of verified reports, along with numerous allegations, of municipal employees and law enforcement officials using the Flock systems in their cities to spy and stalk ex-girlfriends and those they'd like to spark a flame with.

Sold as a way to keep the public safe. Used for reasons that show the worst in public servants.

Even those working at Flock have been in trouble recently for misusing the system.

During a sales pitch to attract a new contract, Flock representatives pulled up live feeds of a children's gym and later a community youth swimming pool to show off their capabilities.

Now, while people are angry about this, it is understood that there was no malice or predatory motives behind this particular invasion of privacy, but it does highlight just how easy it would be to infiltrate any feed, no matter how sensitive it is.

The Revolution Has Begun

Oklahoma has fought the battle against state traffic cameras for a long time, and we've been able to keep them off the table... But given that Flock is a private sector company operating in public, that's the loophole cities are using to evolve into a surveillance state.

While people continue to attend city council meetings and voice complaints that fall on deaf ears, some Oklahomans are embracing the oldest of American traditions.

We'll have to settle this ourselves.

@liberal_redneck72Somebody didn’t like that flock camera at 104th and Choctaw. I drove by it just a few minutes ago and it’s been cut off.

♬ original sound - Liberal_Redneck

Is the person who cut down this Flock camera outside of Choctaw the hero Oklahoma needs right now? Debatable... But they also might just be the hero Oklahoma needs.

Just like the case with data centers, most city councils around the state are digging in with both heels when it comes to the cries from the public. Whether it's a classic case of seizing an opportunity to line their own pockets on the side, or a genuine feeling this is all for some greater good, the people are at odds with even the smallest governments in Oklahoma.

If you think this is a big city problem, the camera surveillance and whatnot, I think you'd be surprised. They are spreading into the smaller towns around Oklahoma.

• Lawton
• Watonga
• Alva
• Blackwell
• Ponca City
• Holdenville
• Durant

Just to name a few. There are thousands of Flock cameras across Oklahoma, even randomly put on the many two-lane highways between nowhere towns like Cleveland and Westport... They don't sound familiar because you've never had a reason to visit either of those places.

You can actually look at a pretty comprehensive map of Flock cameras here.

Only time will tell what will come of Oklahoma's flock of cameras. And to be fair, it can go either way. Where do you stand on this whole thing?