Fact Check: Flock Safety blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies that have sought data related to abortion or immigration.

Fact Check: "Flock Safety blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies that have sought data related to abortion or immigration."

What We Know

The claim that Flock Safety blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies seeking data related to abortion or immigration is supported by recent developments in Illinois. Following an investigation into the misuse of license plate data by a suburban Chicago police department, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias requested that Flock Safety restrict access to its data for certain out-of-state agencies. Specifically, it was reported that Flock Safety blocked access to 62 agencies that were seeking data related to abortion or immigration (6abc, 4). This action was taken in response to concerns that states with restrictive abortion laws might misuse such data to track women seeking abortions in Illinois, where abortion access remains protected (3).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from official statements and reports regarding Flock Safety's actions. The Illinois Secretary of State's office confirmed that Flock Safety complied with the request to block access to these agencies (6abc, 5). This indicates a proactive measure to prevent potential misuse of data that could infringe on individuals' rights, particularly in the context of the ongoing national debate surrounding abortion access following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2).

However, while the blocking of access to these agencies is factual, the broader implications of this action should be considered. The claim does not specify the reasons why these agencies sought the data, nor does it clarify whether all 62 agencies were actively pursuing information for illicit purposes. The context provided by the Illinois Secretary of State suggests that the blocking was a precautionary measure rather than an indication of wrongdoing by all involved agencies (4, 5).

The reliability of the sources reporting this action is generally high, as they include official statements from government officials and reputable news outlets. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in the framing of the issue surrounding abortion and immigration, which are highly politicized topics in the current climate (6, 4).

Conclusion

The claim that "Flock Safety blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies that have sought data related to abortion or immigration" is Partially True. The blocking of access did occur as a response to concerns about the misuse of license plate data in the context of abortion and immigration. However, the claim lacks nuance regarding the motivations and actions of the agencies involved. While the blocking is a significant step in protecting privacy and rights, it is essential to recognize that not all agencies seeking data may have had malicious intent.

Fact Check: Flock Safety blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies that have sought data related to abortion or immigration.