Proton hosts map of 300,000 Flock devices amid legal threats

Key Points:

• Proton is hosting a public map displaying over 300,000 Flock Safety surveillance devices across the U.S., based on an inventory obtained by researcher Joshua Michael from Flock’s systems, preserving access amid legal threats against Michael.
• The map includes more than 170,000 cameras and 130,000 other devices, capturing automated license plate readers used by police and private customers that record vehicle data regardless of suspicion.
• Michael discovered a security vulnerability in November 2025 allowing access to device-location data without login, reported it to Flock, and faced a cease-and-desist letter and legal threats after publishing his findings.
• Flock’s response included closing the access path and investigating anomalous activity, but Michael criticized their detection capabilities, highlighting concerns over data security and transparency.
• A recent police bulletin in California flagged public opposition to Flock surveillance as a potential safety concern, raising issues about surveillance, civic participation, and constitutional rights.