Flock cameras capture controversy in Georgia

photo by Mara Ward A flock camera set up to capture pictures of cars as they drive past on Sizes road. These cameras track information that is used by the government to solve crimes.

When millions of cars drive down the road every day many of them are being tracked. Flock cameras set up all around the United States have sparked major controversy. They are automated license plate readers that take pictures of cars passing by to log information, such as the color and model of car, timestamps and traffic patterns. The debate is whether these cameras are a justified safety measure or an invasion of privacy. 

“Yes, they’re [flock cameras] both; they are a safety tool…The flock cameras actually were able to help save the life of a 14 year old girl” tenth grade debate teacher Mrs. Anna Johnson said.“They're also an invasion of privacy, so it is one of those things where they can be used for good, or they can be used for evil. So, how do you balance that if it saves people’s lives, is it worth giving up a little freedom?” 

In Cherokee County, several officers have been arrested for misusing the flock cameras for crimes like stalking. Because the cameras are not made by the United States government, but rather a private company called Flock Safety that provides them to the government, citizens are concerned of who has access to and controls the information being gathered.

“I think flock cameras are doing good things and catching bad guys we couldn’t previously without this technology,” junior Daniel Potter said. “It is just worrying about who holds the power and the ability to see you whenever they want.” 

On August 31, 2026, Florida banned flock cameras due to privacy concerns. The next day, Georgia State Senator John Albers said that Georgia would not follow in Florida's footsteps. 

According to WALB 10 News, “‘I think throwing the baby out with the bathwater is a really foolish idea,” State Senator John Albers said, “And to take away the greatest crime fighting tool we’ve had in 25 years, a knee jerk reaction, I don’t think is very responsible or smart.”

Recently, Georgia citizens have taken stands to protest flock cameras. Rallies have been held in Atlanta pushing for their removal while others have vandalized the cameras, which is a federal crime. However, according to Flock, their technology has aided in more than one million investigations and helped locate more than 10,000 missing persons in 2025. 

“I think they [flock cameras] can be very helpful too in catching perpetrators but there is also a large margin for misuse of the technology,” Potter said.