Key points
- Proton hosts an interactive map of Flock Safety cameras, providing legal and technical safeguards after the vendor issued trademark threats.
- The database lists over 214,000 active devices and 80,000 planned, contradicting Flock’s claim of 120,000 operational cameras.
- The map creator argues that Flock’s data handling poses national security risks due to undetected data exports.
The short version
- Proton Mail creator Proton now hosts a free, public map of Flock Safety’s surveillance network.
- The tool displays more than 214,000 active cameras, far exceeding Flock’s own reported count.
- The mapping project survived initial legal pressure from Flock Safety through Proton’s support.
The details
Proton, known for Proton Mail and Proton VPN, announced on Wednesday that it is hosting a comprehensive database of Flock Safety’s automated license plate readers and AI surveillance cameras. According to CNET, this arrangement provides the mapping tool with enhanced technical and legal protection. The platform allows the public to view the locations of these devices across the United States without requiring a subscription to other Proton services.
The interactive map was originally published by security researcher Joshua Michael in September. Flock Safety responded with a swift trademark complaint demanding the tool’s removal. Despite these legal threats, the map remains publicly accessible under Proton’s hosting. Proton states that the new interface offers better visual clarity and faster search responses than previous iterations.
The context
The scale of Flock’s network appears larger than the company admits. Flock stated this summer that it operates more than 120,000 cameras nationwide. In contrast, the Proton-hosted tool identifies more than 214,000 devices currently in service, with an additional 80,000 in the planning stages. As DataSafe Times reported on 2026-10-16, Flock Safety recently cut 18 percent of its workforce amid backlash over surveillance practices and contract cancellations.
Flock’s systems capture license plates, vehicle details, human physical characteristics, and audio signals like gunshots or shouting. While law enforcement uses this data for investigations, privacy advocates warn it enables unchecked tracking. Joshua Michael told CNET that his research documents cybersecurity failures with national-security consequences, arguing that Flock cannot detect data exports and thus poses a threat to citizens.
What should you do?
- Check the Proton-hosted map to see if Flock cameras are active in your neighborhood.
- Review your local government’s policies on automated license plate reader data retention.
- Monitor official channels for updates on contract cancellations or legal challenges.
- Verify the status of decommissioned cameras if your city has ended its agreement with Flock.
For customers and users
Residents should verify whether their municipality has active contracts with surveillance vendors. Check local council records for data retention policies and public access requests. Be aware that decommissioned hardware may still appear on maps; confirm operational status with city officials. Watch for phishing emails claiming to offer data removal services, as bad actors often exploit privacy concerns. Use strong, unique passwords for accounts linked to vehicle registration or municipal services.
Background: VPNs
VPNs route all device traffic through an encrypted tunnel, hiding your activity from your network provider. Proxies act as intermediaries for specific applications, masking your IP address but often leaving the rest of your data visible. Choose based on whether you need full device privacy or just app-level anonymity.
Read the full guide: Difference Between VPNs and Proxies: How Tunneling Differs From Routing
What to do and how to stay safe: Flock Safety
- Consult the Proton-hosted map to identify nearby surveillance infrastructure.
- Review local ordinances regarding the collection and storage of biometric data.
- Enable multi-factor authentication on accounts containing personal vehicle information.
- Report suspicious communications claiming to be from Flock Safety or Proton.
Step-by-step guide: How Online Tracking Works: The Technical Chain from Request to Profile
General security guidance from the DataSafe Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How many Flock cameras does the new map show?
The tool lists more than 214,000 active devices and 80,000 in the planning stages.
Why did Flock Safety try to remove the map?
Flock issued a trademark complaint against the original creator, Joshua Michael, in September.
Is the map free to use?
Yes, the Proton-hosted tool is available without a subscription to other Proton services.
