Instagram post shows Flock Safety cease-and-desist; The Verge says it is not targeting debate

The Verge reports that on Thursday, an Instagram account for a Newport Beach, California lecture series posted what appeared to be a cease and desist letter from surveillance firm Flock Safety. The post fueled claims that Flock was threatening critics over debate about surveillance, a flashpoint given the company’s work with law enforcement. But The Verge says the letter targeted alleged misuse of trademarks and disputed statements, not debate.

Flock told The Verge the notice was routine brand protection and defamation correspondence to event organizers, and that it does not seek to silence discussion about its technology. The episode triggered a backlash on social media, as activists and privacy advocates seized on the image amid ongoing scrutiny of Flock’s license plate reader networks, The Verge notes. Watch for further comment from the lecture series, any legal follow-through by Flock, and whether the event proceeds as planned. [Developing. This article will be updated.]