Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Lawmakers Express Bipartisan Concerns Over AI-Powered License Plate Cameras, Citing Privacy Risks

Lawmakers Express Bipartisan Concerns Over AI-Powered License Plate Cameras, Citing Privacy Risks

Lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties are raising alarms over the proliferation and increasing sophistication of AI-powered automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, particularly those from companies like Flock Safety. Concerns center on privacy violations and the potential for these devices to create a mass surveillance state. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) stated that law enforcement monitoring citizens' movements is wrong, likening it to an 'Orwellian society.' He cited an incident in his district where a former Sarasota police officer was fired for misusing Flock camera technology to spy on a single license plate over 300 times. Representative Keith Self (R-Texas) highlighted that AI has advanced these cameras beyond simple license plate reading, enabling facial recognition and interior vehicle monitoring. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) criticized private tech companies for profiting from mass surveillance, calling it a threat to democracy and civil liberties. Several l...
USA Today USA Today
Frequent Flockers. Repeat searches prompt officer firings, arrests

Frequent Flockers. Repeat searches prompt officer firings, arrests

USA TODAY exposed troubling Flock camera search patterns across the country. Flock now blocks release of the data that made it possible.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sarasota officer’s arrest tied to nationwide Flock investigation

Sarasota officer’s arrest tied to nationwide Flock investigation

Sarasota officer accused of tracking ex with Flock cameras among 19 law enforcement employees disciplined nationwide.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor DeSantis Criticizes License Plate Reader Use as 'Out of Control,' Calls for Legislative Safeguards

Governor DeSantis Criticizes License Plate Reader Use as 'Out of Control,' Calls for Legislative Safeguards

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly stated that the increasing use of license plate readers (LPRs) by law enforcement agencies in Florida is 'out of control' and necessitates legislative action to protect residents' privacy. Speaking at a news conference at Florida International University, DeSantis acknowledged the utility of such tools for investigating crimes but emphasized his opposition to their use for broad surveillance of individuals not suspected of wrongdoing. He specifically mentioned systems like those from Flock Safety, noting their expansion beyond toll collection to criminal surveillance, primarily operated by local police and sheriff's offices. DeSantis indicated that while state agencies use this technology, their usage is less extensive compared to local entities. He also referenced a previous attempt to address digital surveillance through an AI bill of rights, which passed the Florida Senate but failed in the House. The Governor is reviewing New Hampshire's approach to LPR regula...
Vox Vox
The weird coalition taking on Flock

The weird coalition taking on Flock

Liberals and conservatives can agree to hate Flock cameras. Passionately.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Surveillance fears linger in Asheville after city ends Flock contract

Surveillance fears linger in Asheville after city ends Flock contract

Surveillance cameras remain in Buncombe County and questions about police access persist.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Senator Hawley Launches Investigation into Flock Safety's National Surveillance Network

Senator Hawley Launches Investigation into Flock Safety's National Surveillance Network

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has initiated an investigation into Flock Safety, a company operating a nationwide network of automated license plate reader cameras. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Senator Hawley has formally requested information from Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley regarding the safeguards in place to protect American citizens' data. The investigation stems from concerns over the company's extensive surveillance capabilities, which include over 120,000 cameras across 49 states, conducting more than 20 billion vehicle scans monthly. Senator Hawley highlighted instances of alleged misuse, citing a St. Charles County police officer who reportedly used Flock's system for personal searches, and similar allegations in Wisconsin, Florida, and California. He emphasized that the vast majority of individuals captured by these cameras have committed no wrongdoing, raising significant privacy concerns about the scale and scope of this national survei...
Palm Springs Desert Sun Palm Springs Desert Sun
Why Palm Springs’ use of Flock cameras will get citizen oversight

Why Palm Springs’ use of Flock cameras will get citizen oversight

As questions mount over license-plate-reading cameras, Palm Springs police are creating a citizens oversight board.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Watch Flock, ACLU, police leaders debate camera program

Watch Flock, ACLU, police leaders debate camera program

Watch representatives from Flock Safety, ACLU Ohio, Columbus council and police discuss the controversial license plate cameras.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Columbus City Council Advances Proposals to Expand Body and Overhaul Election Methods

Columbus City Council Advances Proposals to Expand Body and Overhaul Election Methods

The Columbus City Council has unanimously passed two charter amendments that will be presented to voters in November. These proposals aim to change how residents elect their council representatives and expand the size of the council. Proposed Amendment No. 1, supported by the 'Our City, Our Say' coalition, seeks to establish district-only council elections using existing district boundaries. The council's own proposal, Proposed Amendment No. 2, would create nine district-elected seats and expand the council from nine to thirteen members by adding four at-large seats elected citywide. Council member Rob Dorans plans to introduce campaign finance reform legislation at the August 31 council meeting, with a vote anticipated in September. Currently, Columbus is the most populous U.S. city where all council members are elected citywide, even though candidates must live in the district they wish to represent. The system, approved by voters in 2018, took effect in 2023.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Mobile City Council Approves Surveillance Camera Contract Amidst Privacy Concerns

Mobile City Council Approves Surveillance Camera Contract Amidst Privacy Concerns

The Mobile City Council has approved a contract for surveillance cameras, specifically devices capable of reading license plates. This decision followed a debate regarding privacy issues and potential legislative actions by the Alabama Legislature. While Mobile does not utilize 'Flock cameras,' the city employs similar technology. Councilman Ben Reynolds raised questions about the necessity of amending the contract or altering camera usage if state laws change. Public Safety Director Curtis Graves stated that the cameras are used for 'situational awareness' and data is stored for 60 days, unless it becomes part of a criminal investigation. The contract, valued at nearly $700,000, was awarded to Pro-Tec Video, and the cameras will be overseen by the Gulf Coast Technology Center.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus officers shot at while executing search warrant in narcotics probe

Columbus officers shot at while executing search warrant in narcotics probe

Columbus officers were executing a search warrant at a West Side home when they came under gunfire