Funding
How this project is funded and our commitment to independence
HaveIBeenFlocked.com is an independent project. There's no organization behind it, it receives no grants, and there are no sponsors.[1] It's one developer, driven by community support.
In the interest of transparency, it's also important to understand the flip-side of what that means: being unincorporated and unbeholden guarantees independence, but it also means that any money you send is not a tax-deductible donation but a "tip" going directly into my personal bank account.
For now, you're going to have to trust me on that. This page aims to give you a rough idea of what I intend to put the money toward.[2] I intend to update this page if there are significant changes or if the amount of contributions warrants it.
Your taxes fund the surveillance.
Your support funds the audit.
Hosting and Infrastructure
The site and database currently cost around $80/month to run. That includes hosting, domain fees, development tools, and so on. Yes, that is much less than what your local police department pays for their website.
Research
Court records, document retrieval, and the occasional PACER deep-dive. I generally refuse to pay unlawful or excessive fees for public records. Instead, I prefer to add those refusals to the ever-growing pile of unresolved legal liability for agencies contracting for mass surveillance.
Legal fees
Flock has already tried to take this site down twice. One attempt failed, one is pending (as of January 15, 2026). If they try again or escalate to actual litigation there will be legal costs. Everything currently operates under my name, which means I can fight back directly, but it also means I'm the one in the crosshairs.
Goals
For the project, incorporating as a nonprofit would provide legal protection and make contributions tax-deductible. That requires legal help and insurance, but it's the goal if funding makes it realistic.
I already won one court case against the Iowa Public Information Board (currently on appeal). My goal is to keep pushing the fight for transparency and accountability away from the Internet and city council chambers and into the court room—for law enforcement.
Independence
Money does not buy silence, access, or influence. The site promotes transparency and opposes mass surveillance. That won't change based on who contributes.
If you have questions about how funds are used, or want to discuss specific ways in which you can help: humans@haveibeenflocked.com