Flock's 'Made in USA' claim fades as Thai imports rise

September 17, 2026 at 02:00 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Flock, the license plate camera maker, no longer specifies where its devices are manufactured, according to WIRED. Import records show the company increasingly sources camera and radar components from Primax Electronics in Thailand. The shift comes as dozens of local governments stop using Flock cameras amid a nationwide protest movement.

Key Facts

Flock's marketing materials no longer specify where its cameras are made, after years of touting US production.
Import records show Flock has increasingly imported 'commodity' cameras and radar systems from Primax Electronics in Thailand.
Dozens of local governments have stopped using Flock cameras amid a nationwide protest movement.
Congress is considering legislation to cut federal funding to states that fail to limit use of Flock and other license plate readers.
Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel said all products are National Defense Authorization Act compliant.

Manufacturing Shift

Flock CEO Garrett Langley has said the company made its first license plate cameras in his Atlanta home, permanently scratching his dining table with drill marks. For years, Flock publicly touted that its devices were produced in the United States, but recent marketing materials reviewed by WIRED no longer specify where its cameras come from. Import records collected by ImportGenius show the company has been increasingly bringing 'commodity' cameras, radar systems, and other components from Primax Electronics in Thailand. Primax is based in Taiwan but has manufacturing facilities in China, Thailand, and elsewhere. ImportGenius analyst Lynn Hughes said the shipments appear to include whole security camera solutions and radar sensor pods.

Public Backlash and Policy

The startup has become the subject of a nationwide protest movement that has prompted dozens of local governments to abruptly stop using its cameras. Activists have criticized Flock for enabling officers to track the cars of their exes, share footage with immigration authorities, and follow the movements of pedestrians. Police have argued the cameras are crucial tools for deterring and solving crime. Congress is also considering legislation that would cut federal funding to states that fail to limit use of Flock and other license plate readers.

Supply Chain and Compliance

Flock's cameras largely rely on suppliers around the world that provide non-custom parts, which are also used in products from other companies. Langley said in a 2021 marketing video that Flock's value is in the aggregation and packaging of components into a waterproof, consumer-friendly device. Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel said all products the company builds are National Defense Authorization Act compliant. The NDAA effectively bars government contractors from using parts made by a handful of Chinese tech companies over security concerns.