Cambridge canceled its contract with Flock over privacy concerns. Mere days later, those same license-plate readers helped solve one of the region’s most high-profile murders. The rapid shift from skepticism to reliance on the technology raises pivotal questions about balancing civil liberties and public safety.

A parent recently shared a photo of their son online, only to learn he was upset by the post. Now, the parent is questioning whether they should have interpreted “we’re not into social media” more carefully. R. Eric Thomas’s advice column offers insight into navigating such dilemmas.