Framingham reviews Flock Safety cameras amid privacy debate – NBC Boston
Framingham reviews Flock Safety cameras amid privacy debate – NBC Boston
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/framingham-flock-safety-cameras-debate-city-contract/3959865/
Publish Date: 2026-06-04 07:55:00
Source Domain: www.nbcboston.com
There’s growing debate in Framingham, Massachusetts, over the city’s use of Flock Safety cameras, mainly around how the information that is gathered is being used.
The current contract with Flock’s license plate reader cameras in Framingham is still under review ahead of its possible renewal on June 30. The company says it helps authorities identify vehicles linked to criminal investigations, but some activists are concerned it’s much more than that.
“It only captures the rear vehicles and it captures the license plates and those key identifying details like the make, color, and unique features,” said Flock Safety spokesperson Paris Lewbel.
“Where they’re capturing information about people’s license plates without their permission and without consent and in the guise of doing it for safety and improving solving crimes,” Katie Merritt O’Toole, of Framingham Fights Back, countered.
Beverly residents debated the use of AI-powered cameras on the city’s streets at a meeting Tuesday.
The Framingham Police Department says it “continues to work collaboratively with the Mayor’s Office and a subcommittee of the City Council to address community concerns regarding the use of Flock Safety cameras.”
Now, the city solicitor’s office is reviewing and updating contract language, and they’re limiting information sharing through Flock to Massachusetts law enforcement agencies only.
Several nearby communities have cancelled Flock Safety contracts, including Cambridge, Watertown and neighboring Natick due to information sharing concerns.
