## Redaction Failure Reveals Sensitive Data Millions of people have been inadvertently exposed due to redaction errors in the audit logs of Flock, a widespread surveillance system in the United States. Some police departments have publicly released unredacted data, revealing information about active investigations and surveillance targets. The HaveIBeenFlocked.com website has collected this data, making it possible to search for license plates and reveal if and when they have been monitored by the Flock system. The incident raises serious concerns about the protection of personal data and transparency in the use of surveillance technologies. ## Flock's Reaction and Consequences In response to the publication of the data, Flock threatened the creator of the HaveIBeenFlocked.com website and limited access to audit logs, essential tools for transparency and accountability. This move has drawn criticism from privacy experts and associations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), who denounce an attempt to hide the pervasive use of surveillance. Flock has also modified its audit logs, omitting the names of officers and the license plates searched, officially to protect the safety of officers and ongoing investigations. However, this decision has been interpreted as an attempt to reduce transparency and limit the ability of journalists and regulators to monitor the police's use of Flock cameras. ## Implications and Debate on Mass Surveillance The incident has reignited the debate on mass surveillance and the need to regulate the use of technologies like Flock. Experts point out the risks of relying on centralized and interconnected surveillance systems, which can easily lead to data leaks and abuses. The case also highlights the importance of proper data management and transparency by law enforcement. A police accountability advocate stated that the situation highlights broader problems with Flock, suggesting that if mass surveillance is an unacceptable outcome for customers, perhaps they should not participate in a nationwide surveillance system. The platform is designed to collect as much data as possible and make it widely accessible and searchable, which raises concerns about collecting data without the consent of individuals and elected officials.