DeFlock
DeFlock
What it is: A crowdsourced map of automatic licence plate readers (ALPRs) built on OpenStreetMap
Run by: Open-source project created by William Freeman
Status: Active
Licence: MIT
Website: https://deflock.org
Join or copy: Report cameras with the DeFlock app or the OpenStreetMap editor
DeFlock is an open-source project that maps automatic licence plate readers (ALPRs) across the United States, so people can see where they are being tracked.
What it does
- It shows ALPRs on a map, with their type and the direction they face. The locations come from OpenStreetMap and are added by volunteers.
- It explains how to report a camera with a standard set of OpenStreetMap tags.
- It keeps a growing guide to ALPR makes and models, with photos, so you can recognise them.
- Its stated aim is to raise awareness of ALPRs and help the public push for accountability and privacy protections.
The old address deflock.me now redirects to deflock.org.
Who runs it
- William Freeman created the project and holds the copyright on the code. In the README he writes that he started it after noticing mass deployment of ALPRs.
- The code is under the MIT licence on GitHub, in the FoggedLens organisation.
- The site lists local groups fighting mass surveillance. It says they are run independently and are not affiliated with DeFlock.
Join or copy it
- Get the DeFlock app for iOS or Android, or use the OpenStreetMap iD editor in a browser.
- Adding or editing map data needs a free OpenStreetMap account. An email address is enough to sign up.
- Find a local group on the Local Groups page.
- Copy or improve the code: website, app and map.
See also
- Issue 1/Anti-Palantir Manifesto
- gapmap.uk, another mapping project
- Projects
Sources
- DeFlock, deflock.org (deflock.me redirects here)
- DeFlock repository and README, GitHub, updated 9 October 2026
- DeFlock app page, deflock.org
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