During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the use of data collected by Flock Safety, a company providing automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology in Oak Park. A board member highlighted the potential risks associated with the collection and sharing of data related to the movements of residents, visitors, and passersby in the community.

Despite two years of utilizing Flock's services, the village has reportedly failed to gain a clear understanding of how this data is accessed and used by third parties. Two separate commissions have dedicated significant time and resources to investigate these issues, yet no conclusive insights have emerged regarding data sharing practices or privacy protections.

The board member expressed serious concerns about the village's compliance with state laws governing data sharing, emphasizing that the current system may be causing direct harm, particularly in relation to the disproportionate impact on Black drivers. The member urged the board to reconsider the contract with Flock Safety, citing a lack of meaningful benefits from the technology and potential violations of Illinois statutes regarding data privacy.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technology, as community members seek to protect their privacy and ensure that local governance aligns with legal standards.