New Website Lets Drivers Check If Surveillance Cameras Recorded Their Plates
A tool called "Have I Been Flocked?" enables people to see whether their license plates were captured by Flock's camera network. The site draws thousands of visitors daily. Its founder, Cris van Pelt, stated that removing Flock entirely is not his primary objective.
The new website, “Have I Been Flocked?,” responds to growing public curiosity about automated license-plate recognition. Its creator, Cris van Pelt, built the tool to let individuals check whether Flock’s surveillance cameras captured their plates, and it now attracts thousands of daily visitors. While the service highlights privacy concerns around networked camera systems, van Pelt has clarified that abolishing Flock entirely is not his main goal, suggesting a more measured approach to oversight and transparency.
This tool could shift how people perceive everyday surveillance, making invisible data collection more tangible. Drivers may become more aware of their movements being logged, potentially prompting broader discussions about privacy rights and police access to commercial camera networks. Communities might demand clearer policies on data retention and sharing, though the site’s popularity also shows public appetite for individual control over personal information. Its long-term impact may depend on whether such transparency leads to regulatory changes or simply normalizes constant monitoring.