A college in Illinois tried to cancel its Flock contact and it refused
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What's this about?
In April of 2025, Elgin Community College had six Flock safety cameras installed to "enhance the safety and security of students." But by September of that year, the school's administration grew concerned that Flock was sharing data with Customs and Border Patrol, that camera feeds were not properly
The one-panel cartoon
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A college campus courtyard with students and faculty going about their day, while six discreet Flock safety cameras are mounted on lampposts and walls.
Caption: Flock: Keeping an eye on you, even when you're trying to look the other way.
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
This story highlights the growing tension between the intentions of enhancing campus safety and the concerns over data privacy and surveillance. It underscores the need for clear communication and transparency between educational institutions and technology providers to ensure that the use of security measures aligns with the values and expectations of the community they serve.
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Panel 1
The office of Elgin Community College’s IT department. A computer screen shows a message from Flock, the safety camera provider. An IT staff member, JIM, is staring at the screen, looking exasperated.
JIM: Oh no, this can't be good.
Panel 2
A meeting room at Elgin Community College. The college’s president, DR. KIM, is seated around a table with the IT staff and a lawyer. A stack of documents lies in front of them. DR. KIM looks worried.
DR. KIM: We need to cancel this contract immediately. These cameras are causing more problems than they solve.
IT STAFF: But, Dr. Kim, Flock’s customer service just told us they won’t let us out of our contract.
Panel 3
Back in the IT department, JIM is on the phone with Flock’s customer service. The computer screen shows the Flock logo, but the text reads "Flock: Here to Enhance Your Life... and Lock You In. FLOCK CUSTOMER SERVICE (over phone)
JIM: Yes, I understand you're not backing down on the contract. But we’re a college, not a prison!
FLOCK CUSTOMER SERVICE: Well, Mr. Jim, at least you’ll feel safe knowing we’ve got you covered.
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