The presence of Flock Safety cameras in Tyler, Texas has raised significant concerns among local residents about privacy and mass surveillance. These cameras, which are marketed as tools for crime prevention, capture vast amounts of data daily, including license plate information, vehicle details, and movements of citizens. This data is then used to create a profile on that citizen, effectively placing the entire city under constant watch. The AI is trained to zoom in on people, identify them, and store any information they gather. Flock is owned by a third party company that is connected to Ring, Palantir, and ICE can gain access to the information they gather on citizens through local law enforcement.

It is critical to examine the breaches of privacy that these cameras bring. The data collected can be invasive, making personal details and daily routines searchable without our consent. This raises serious implications for civil liberties, with fears that this kind of surveillance could lead to, and in many other cities has already led to, the misuse or abuse of information by authorities or third-party entities.

Moreover, Flock's technology stores data for a considerable period, which increases the risk of breaches and unauthorized access. In recent times, growing incidents of hacking and data leaks highlight the dangers of maintaining such extensive surveillance databases. Ensuring the protection of residents’ personal information is imperative, yet Flock threatens this security.

There is also a lack of transparency in how data is used and who has access to it. Residents need assurance that their data is not being shared or sold to external parties, which could compromise their safety and privacy further. Communities deserve to live without the anxiety of being watched continually—we need trust, not suspicion, among citizens and their governing bodies.

Tyler, Texas is a community that values its privacy and its people. Our daily lives should not be open to scrutiny without our permission or a warrant. The constant monitoring imposed by Flock Safety cameras is antithesis to the values of a free society. It’s time to reclaim our privacy and demand the removal of these cameras.

I urge the Tyler City Council and other local government authorities to take immediate action. Removing Flock surveillance cameras will protect Tyler, Texas residents fundamental right to privacy. 

Please sign this petition to safeguard our community and reinforce the message that our everyday lives should remain private and free from indiscriminate surveillance. Together, let’s stand up for our rights and make our voices heard!

 Check out this live map of Flock cameras and their location! 

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https://maps.deflock.org/?lat=32.3513&lng=-95.3011&zoom=11.00 

This video describes some of the major security issues more in depth for every person that lives in a city with Flock! (11min)—

https://youtu.be/vU1-uiUlHTo?si=a_1htUuOx9yZNtZp

Longer, more extensive video (43min)- 

https://youtu.be/uB0gr7Fh6lY?si=WIpooqxgqymJE1mX