Advice needed: my workplace has put Flock cameras at all entrances

2026-04-27 23:36 UTC

Hello, the title sums it up pretty much but here’s some details. I live in the US and I have been working for a pretty big company for a few years. I noticed recently that they have put up Flock cameras at all entrances and I really object to it. I would consider a new job but three main factors are really preventing me from doing that. First, I like many of my coworkers and it makes my day easier. Second, I get paid well enough. Third, the job is nearby and its an easy commute. Essentially all the things I want in a job. What I have done so far: I have contacted my union rep. The response from the union was essentially indifference to the idea. They claim Flock simply sends the data to our normal security team. They did mention that it was discussed recently otherwise. Last note, I work for a place where vandalism would not be possible due to the nature of the facility. I’m not really sure what else to do but I didn’t want to do nothing. What would you do?

Replies (28)

@OppressedBread@lemmy.ml 2026-05-03 01:38

I totally get where you're coming from, as many people already mentioned in the comments, you can get people on your side but DO NOT leave your job, we all know the job market is horrible right now and also the mere idea of applying to new jobs will just make you put ur data out more than these flock cameras will ever know about you

Open ##2210994
@dreamy@quokk.au 2026-05-01 16:29

I don't think it's applicable to your situation, and the text is _surely fictional_, but [this](https://crimethinc.com/2020/07/14/blinding-the-cyclops-wrecking-the-panopticon-camera-hunting-in-the-metropolis) is an interesting read nonetheless.

Open ##2210995
@mrmaplebar@fedia.io 2026-04-28 02:40

Talk to your coworkers and freak them out about it to get more people on your side.

Open ##2210996
@Assassassin@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2026-04-27 23:56

Burn down the building, hit the gym, divorce your wife, and start a new life in Mexico. I do not have an actual idea.

Open ##2210997
@deadbeef79000@lemmy.nz 2026-04-28 00:41

Comically large hat. I suspect that spending a bit more effort with your union would be the obvious route. E.g. "why cameras, why now, why flock?" Their indifference is a little... off.

Open ##2210998
@sic_semper_tyrannis@lemmy.today 2026-04-28 02:03

Start putting up printouts all around the building with information on Flock and links (QR codes probably) to videos showing all the issues they propose. Hopefully enough people will start to understand what they are and get creeped out by them and raise a storm. Here's a few: Business Reform: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xujArBaEcbg Benn Jordan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY Naomi Brockwell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOa9tjoxsQ8 Louis Rossmann: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK6WyS2JipQ Then have links to hopeful stuff like [deFlock](https://deflock.org/) and be sure to publish the cameras to the DeFlock map/OSM.

Open ##2210999
@XLE@piefed.social 2026-04-28 01:13

Ethical reasons aside, tampering with the devices is entirely out of the question. First off, it's criminal, and second, you'll be on the shortest of short lists of people who might have done it. (This is more for casual readers of the thread and not OP.) I agree with the comments that recommend talking more to your union about this. If everything's going to be handled by security anyway, then why even involve the third party?

Open ##2211000
@betterdeadthanreddit@lemmy.world 2026-04-28 00:36

I'd suggest something involving lasers except you said no vandalism so that's out. I don't think the EFF would be able to help directly but you could reach out to info@eff.org and see if they can put you in touch with an attorney who might be able to do more. A search for "[your location] bar association" is another possibility. Most places I've been will have somebody willing to talk for free (at least briefly) in order to see if there's a case worth pursuing. If there is a case, don't count on them taking it pro bono. Never know unless you ask though. My best guess is that there's nothing to be done about it except the rejected options of vandalism or quitting. There's a slim (as in "invisible when turned sideways") chance that some local law might give you more to work with but that's for other nerds to figure out.

Open ##2211001
@T00l_shed@lemmy.world 2026-04-28 00:16

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-facial_recognition_mask?wprov=sfla1

Open ##2211002
@Nomecks@lemmy.ca 2026-04-28 00:44

Put a string of "bright" infrared LEDs around your head and blind out the camera without anyone seeing!

Open ##2211003
@sturmblast@lemmy.world 2026-04-28 11:49

Stand on your principals and quit. Its just a job, youll be proud of yourself. Plan b, handout flyers to coworkers to get allies, protest

Open ##2211004
@rosco385@lemmy.wtf 2026-04-28 04:00

Becoming a die-hard fan of Insane Clown Posse should solve your problem. [https://xcancel.com/tahkion/status/1013304616958607360](https://xcancel.com/tahkion/status/1013304616958607360)

Open ##2211005
@OwOarchist@pawb.social 2026-04-28 01:21

Silenced .22LR rifle from far enough away that the camera can't recognize you. (Not really, though. Unfortunately, since you're already on record complaining about them, you'd be suspect #1.)

Open ##2211006
@HeyThisIsntTheYMCA@lemmy.world 2026-04-28 05:11

Find the link to the deflock link to log into your work's flock cameras. Make a qr code. Print them out, put them around the office. Get fired. Feel good about it tho

Open ##2211007
@aramis87@fedia.io 2026-04-28 02:16

You said it's an easy commute. Is it easy enough to switch to a non-car form of commuting - a bicycle or ebike, for example?

Open ##2211008
@frongt@lemmy.zip 2026-04-28 01:26

Unless monitoring is covered by your CBA, then there's not much you can do except voice your opposition and argue against it during the next round of negotiation.

Open ##2211009
@Auster@thebrainbin.org 2026-04-28 18:51

Consult a lawyer maybe? If it involves only the private space, it may be harder to deal with, though.

Open ##2211010
@blackwall@lemmy.world 2026-04-28 01:12

I’m outside the US and have only vaguely been following the Flock camera epidemic. What’s the threat here exactly? That Flock will have record of where you work? Or that they’ll have photos of your face or vehicle? Are you on LinkedIn? Props to you if you aren’t, but if you are, anyone can already see where you work, what you look like, and make an educated guess as to your start and finish times. For what it’s worth I wouldn’t like my workplace putting them up either.

Open ##2211011
@ramenshaman@lemmy.world 2026-04-28 05:47

Destroy them.

Open ##2211013
@roofuskit@lemmy.world 2026-04-28 00:40

Assuming you don't live in Illinois?

Open ##2211014
@MerryJaneDoe@lemmy.world 2026-04-29 05:14

Custom t-shirts for all the crew! Get on Amazon (or Etsy, etc) and order shirts with clever Flock-related quotes. "My employer gives a Flock about me!" "This Flocking job....sometimes, man, sometimes." "I wanted a raise but I got Flocked instead." Pass 'em out for free, ask folx to wear them on Fridays.

Open ##2211015
@uenticx@lemmy.world 2026-04-30 21:24

Silk-screen all known cartel member faces on your shirts.

Open ##2211016
@1984@lemmy.today 2026-04-28 04:35

Leaving the country is probably the best long term solution. Its not going to stop. These things are all going to be connected to data center AI and track everyone in real time. Thats what the data centers are for. Not chat bots.

Open ##2211017
@rc__buggy@sh.itjust.works 2026-04-28 00:24

I hate Flock and the "security state" as much or more than anyone but why would you care if They (big T) knew you were pulling into your workplace? That's the least amount of concern for me. They (big T) already know I'm at work so what do I care if my plate is recorded going into the parking lot? The Flock cameras on your commute are a problem but the ones at the gate are inconsequential IMO

Open ##2211018
@Auli@lemmy.ca 2026-04-28 11:32

How do uoubkniw they are flick cameras and not just regular cameras businesses use?

Open ##2211019
@DishaweslemOride@lemmy.org 2026-04-28 03:39

Change jobs.

Open ##2211020
@Sanctus@anarchist.nexus 2026-04-28 01:45

Quit immediately

Open ##2211021
@Sxan@piefed.zip 2026-04-28 12:36

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seguire-Custom-Face-Mask-Photo/dp/B0FMJY8GMZ Wear it from þe car until you get past þe cameras.

Open ##2211022