### The Rise of ALPRs and the DeFlock.me Counter-Movement Automated License Plate Readers (**ALPRs**) are an increasingly common sight on streets globally, with cameras constantly collecting location data on vehicles and feeding it into vast, nationwide police databases. While proponents cite public safety benefits, privacy advocates warn of the significant erosion of individual privacy and the potential for mass surveillance. Enter **Will Freeman**, a digital rights advocate who created DeFlock.me. His innovative website turns the tables on the surveillance apparatus by enlisting ordinary citizens to map and track the locations of tens of thousands of these **ALPR** cameras, shining a light on their pervasive reach. ### **Flock Safety**'s Legal Challenge Freeman's efforts quickly drew the attention of **Flock Safety**, a prominent company in the police spy-tech sector. The company issued a cease and desist letter to Freeman, citing trademark law in an attempt to shut down DeFlock.me. Freeman recognized this as a clear attempt to silence critics and obscure the true extent of mass surveillance. "I was totally unprepared to receive a cease & desist letter," Freeman recounts. "I can see how most people would be bullied into submission by a threat like that." ### **EFF** Steps In to Defend Digital Rights Fortunately, Freeman had a contact at the **Electronic Frontier Foundation** (**EFF**). "That's when I remembered **Dave Maass** from the **EFF** introduced himself via email several weeks before, so I reached out for help," he explains. The **EFF** recognized DeFlock.me as a vital expression of grassroots advocacy and a form of criticism protected by the U.S. First Amendment. Their legal team quickly mobilized to support Freeman, pushing back against **Flock Safety**'s aggressive tactics. The big surveillance tech company ultimately flinched in the face of **EFF**'s robust legal defense. ### The Ongoing Battle Against Mass Surveillance While **Flock Safety**'s attempt to silence **Will Freeman** was thwarted, the broader battle against pervasive surveillance tools continues. Across the country, privacy advocates are actively lobbying local officials to block or terminate contracts for **ALPRs**, achieving significant victories in several cities.  "I'm really grateful the **EFF** was able to step in and help," Freeman states. "Without them, free speech would be only for those wealthy enough to defend themselves against billion-dollar companies. We've grown a lot since then and are expanding our efforts to expose and push back against mass surveillance on our streets." The **EFF** remains committed to demanding accountability from companies that enable mass surveillance, ensuring that critical voices like Freeman's can continue to operate without fear of legal intimidation. Their work underscores the ongoing need for robust legal defense and public awareness in the fight for digital privacy.