Vendor error ‘exposed’ some Cedar Rapids police cameras (Troubling Video)

Public safety cameras are supposed to be watched by police—not by anyone with an internet connection. But a security researcher discovered this week that live feeds from Flock Safety cameras in Cedar Rapids and dozens of other cities were publicly accessible due to a configuration error. The company says it’s fixed. Police say safeguards are now in place. But the episode lands at an awkward moment, just as privacy advocates are pushing Iowa legislators to regulate the growing use of surveillance technology in public spaces. Grace Nieland with Cedar Rapids Gazette has the full story.

Editor’s Note: Adoption of Flock surveillance technology in Minot was considered earlier this year, but the request was ultimately removed due to privacy concerns. A revised proposal for activation of automated license plate scanning already available through an existing vendor will be considered in January.

Watch the disturbing findings of a Flock data access vulnerability below.

Grace Nieland

Cedar Rapids Gazette

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