A new mod for Grand Theft Auto V, dubbed "Grand Theft Automated License Plate Reader," introduces Flock's controversial automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras into the game world of Los Santos. Developed by modder WTTDOTM, this modification integrates 235 ALPR cameras across the map. These cameras are not merely cosmetic; if a player commits a crime within their view, their Wanted level will increase. The mod also incorporates a one in twenty chance for the cameras to trigger a police chase without provocation, a feature intended to mirror Flock's history of inaccurate reporting, according to the modder.
The mod's design is informed by real-world data, with the number of cameras implemented being one-tenth of those tracked by the DeFlock project in Los Angeles County, a region on which Los Santos is heavily based. Players have the option to save images captured by the in-game cameras to their hard drive, complete with a watermark that parodies Flock's own branding. A key interactive element of the mod is the ability for players to destroy these cameras. Each destroyed camera yields $600 in-game, reflecting the estimated value of the camera's internal hardware, a stark contrast to the higher prices Flock charges government entities.
The mod also includes built-in support for speedrunning, allowing players to time themselves as they endeavor to clear Los Santos of all Flock ALPR cameras. This gameplay addition taps into the real-world sentiment against the technology, which has sparked widespread controversy due to its capacity for citizen surveillance without explicit consent. Flock cameras utilize AI to identify alleged offenses and report them directly to authorities, raising significant privacy concerns and opening avenues for potential misuse.
Reports have surfaced detailing instances where law enforcement has allegedly employed these AI-powered tools for illicit surveillance of former romantic partners. Flock cameras have also reportedly been used in investigations related to abortion services and by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without warrants, leading to numerous false arrests and detentions. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has consistently voiced its condemnation of the technology. In parallel, the open-source DeFlock project actively maps license plate readers nationwide, and many individuals have resorted to direct action, such as blocking and vandalizing these cameras, as governmental bodies continue to establish contracts with Flock.