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Congressman Thomas Massie Introduces 'Flock-Off Act' to Restrict Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Congressman Thomas Massie Introduces 'Flock-Off Act' to Restrict Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has introduced House Resolution 10221, known as the 'Flock-Off Act,' aimed at prohibiting federal funding for real-time surveillance cameras, including those manufactured by Flock. The bill seeks to prevent state, local, and tribal governments from using federal funds to purchase, install, maintain, or operate such surveillance systems. This includes AI-augmented automated license plate readers and biometric cameras, as well as associated contracts, subscriptions, and data-sharing services. Massie stated that the federal government should not provide security grants to entities that turn communities into a 'version of 1984' by surveilling law-abiding citizens. The proposed legislation mandates that federal agencies remove federally funded camera systems and gives state and local agencies 180 days to disable their systems or risk losing federal program funding. Exceptions are made for cameras used for toll enforcement and those within one mile of the U.S. northern and sout...

ACLU Wins Ruling Against Massachusetts State Police for Withholding ALPR Information

ACLU Wins Ruling Against Massachusetts State Police for Withholding ALPR Information

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Massachusetts has announced a victory in its lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), compelling the agency to disclose information regarding its use of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. The ruling, issued by a court, found that the MSP had not adequately justified its withholding of records concerning the ALPR cameras and their operational use. The court also granted a motion for summary judgment, mandating the release of these records. The ACLU initiated its pursuit of this information over five years ago, seeking details on camera locations and an audit of how troopers utilize the system. The lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court commenced in 2023. This development occurs amidst growing public scrutiny and pushback against ALPR technology, with numerous Massachusetts communities reevaluating their partnerships with ALPR provider Flock Safety due to concerns over privacy and alleged misuse by law enforcement. Kade Crockford, director of t...

U.S. Representative Tim Burchett Introduces Bill to Restrict Federal Surveillance System Use and Funding

U.S. Representative Tim Burchett Introduces Bill to Restrict Federal Surveillance System Use and Funding

U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN) has introduced a bill aimed at preventing federal agencies from purchasing or utilizing surveillance systems. The proposed legislation also seeks to block federal funding for such equipment at the local level. This move comes amidst growing national concerns regarding surveillance technologies, privacy erosion, and the potential misuse of these systems by law enforcement. Knox County, for instance, recently voted unanimously to remove automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, citing similar concerns. State-level lawmakers, such as Republican state Rep. Jason Zachary of Knoxville, are also working on legislation to impose stricter requirements on ALPRs and surveillance cameras, ensuring data access is limited to certified law enforcement personnel with strict penalties for abuse. The broader context includes a bipartisan backlash against the proliferation of surveillance technology across the country.

Palm Beach County Halts Flock Camera Expansion Amid Privacy Concerns

Palm Beach County Halts Flock Camera Expansion Amid Privacy Concerns

Palm Beach County has paused the issuance of new permits for automated Flock cameras on county roads, following a decision by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to remove these cameras from state right-of-ways. County commissioners voted to halt new permits and demanded answers from the sheriff's office regarding data retention practices. Commissioner Joel Flores described the license plate reader cameras as an 'intrusive, mass surveillance network,' emphasizing the need to balance public safety with individual rights. While some commissioners, like Maria Sachs, acknowledge the public safety benefits of these cameras, others, including Gregg K. Weiss, expressed deep unease about data ownership, access, retention, and the potential for data to be sold to third parties. Flock Safety operates a nationwide network of these cameras, which record license plates and vehicle characteristics, with data accessible to thousands of law enforcement agencies across 49 states. The county plans to hold a publ...

Representative Eric Burlison Co-Sponsors 'Flock-Off Act' to Defund Real-Time Surveillance Cameras

Representative Eric Burlison Co-Sponsors 'Flock-Off Act' to Defund Real-Time Surveillance Cameras

U.S. Representative Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) has co-sponsored the 'Flock-Off Act' (H.R. 10221), a bill introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. This legislation aims to prohibit federal funding for Flock cameras and similar real-time surveillance systems. The bill, supported by Burlison and six other bipartisan lawmakers, would prevent federal money from being used for surveillance cameras, related contracts, database access, and subscriptions. If enacted, existing systems purchased with federal funds would need to be removed or shut down within 180 days. While the bill would not ban communities from purchasing cameras with local money, it includes exceptions for toll collection and certain border-security operations. Burlison expressed concerns about privacy, stating he does not want to live in a 'George Orwell dystopia' where everything is tracked, despite acknowledging the cameras' utility in solving crimes and Amber Alerts.

Representative Lauren Boebert Opposes Mass Surveillance and Flock Cameras, Citing Constitutional Concerns

Representative Lauren Boebert Opposes Mass Surveillance and Flock Cameras, Citing Constitutional Concerns

Colorado GOP Representative Lauren Boebert has voiced strong opposition to mass surveillance technologies, specifically targeting the widespread deployment of 'Flock cameras' and similar systems. In an op-ed for The Daily Caller, Boebert argued that these fixed, always-on camera networks monitor drivers' movements without warrants or democratic consent, effectively treating every driver as a potential subject for continuous tracking. She emphasized that while she supports law enforcement and the targeted, warrant-based use of surveillance technology for legitimate investigations, the continuous tracking of free Americans without proper legal oversight undermines constitutional protections. Boebert highlighted that companies like Flock Safety have drawn public attention for their systems, but the issue extends beyond any single firm, as many vendors manufacture and sell this technology. Recent investigations have also revealed misuse of Flock cameras by police, including instances of personal surveillance, ...

Rio Rancho Residents Challenge City's Use of Flock Safety Camera Network

Rio Rancho Residents Challenge City's Use of Flock Safety Camera Network

Four residents of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, have urged the city's governing body to discontinue its contract with Flock Safety, the vendor for the city's automated license plate reader (ALPR) network. The network, which has expanded to 19 cameras citywide, records every passing license plate. Residents argue that this constitutes warrantless mass surveillance and an infringement on privacy, with Joaquin Montoya of DeFlock New Mexico stating it creates a 'database of the innocent.' Matt Griffin called for more transparency regarding data access and storage, while Chris Adams expressed concern about building surveillance infrastructure that future governments could inherit. Another resident cited a Fourth Amendment violation. In response, Mayor Paul Wymer acknowledged the criticism but also noted receiving feedback from other residents who are content with the surveillance systems. Rio Rancho Police reported to councilors on August 18 that the cameras contributed to the recovery of 74 stolen vehicles, 50 stole...

Congressman Russ Fulcher Co-Sponsors PRIVACY Act to Protect Idahoans' Data from Federal Surveillance

Congressman Russ Fulcher Co-Sponsors PRIVACY Act to Protect Idahoans' Data from Federal Surveillance

U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) has co-sponsored H.R. 9716, known as the Protecting Rights in Video and Equipment Acquired Discovery (PRIVACY) Act. This legislation aims to safeguard the privacy rights of Idahoans by restricting federal law enforcement agencies' access to surveillance data collected by state and local systems. The bill mandates that federal agencies must obtain a warrant from a Federal judge before accessing, receiving, querying, or otherwise obtaining data from intrusive technologies. These technologies include automated license plate readers (ALPRs), cameras capturing vehicle occupants, long-range microphones, and electronic fingerprint detection technology. Congressman Fulcher emphasized that the federal government should be required to secure a warrant if it wishes to access state and local systems' data on citizens. The PRIVACY Act also limits the retention of data obtained under a warrant to 30 days, unless it constitutes evidence in a prosecution or a court grants an extens...

Florida DOT Orders License Plate Readers Removed From State Highway Rights-of-Way

Florida DOT Orders License Plate Readers Removed From State Highway Rights-of-Way

Florida's Department of Transportation (DOT) has revoked all permits for vehicle license plate reader systems, including those from companies like Flock Safety, located within the right-of-way of state highway roads. This decision comes in response to an "exponential increase" in deployments and a rise in reports concerning the misuse of these surveillance systems. Will Watts, the chief operating officer and assistant secretary of Transportation, stated in a memo that the DOT will cease issuing new permits for such systems under its jurisdiction. Local law enforcement agencies, which had previously received approvals for these readers, are now required to remove them within 30 days. If not removed by the specified deadline, the DOT will undertake the removal itself. This action follows recent incidents where law enforcement officers in other states, such as Massachusetts and Louisiana, were fired or faced criminal charges for allegedly misusing Flock systems to obtain information on individuals they knew. ...

Bipartisan Concerns Mount Over Misuse of Flock Safety AI Cameras

Bipartisan Concerns Mount Over Misuse of Flock Safety AI Cameras

Bipartisan scrutiny is intensifying regarding the misuse of Flock Safety cameras, which are artificial intelligence-powered license plate readers. The technology, while touted by supporters as an invaluable law enforcement tool, has drawn criticism following incidents such as a Kentucky police officer allegedly misusing the cameras to track his ex-girlfriend over 2,000 times. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) publicly stated that such surveillance occurred without a warrant or probable cause. Similarly, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has called for an end to 'AI MASS SURVEILLANCE,' specifically naming Flock Safety. Former Department of Homeland Security official Juliette Kayyem noted that these systems collect extensive information unrelated to specific crimes, creating searchable databases for law enforcement. Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed also highlighted the proliferation of this technology as a campaign issue. In response to these concerns, a Flock Safety spokesperson indicated t...

Congressman Fulcher Co-Sponsors Bill Requiring Warrants for Federal Access to Surveillance Data

Congressman Fulcher Co-Sponsors Bill Requiring Warrants for Federal Access to Surveillance Data

U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) has co-sponsored H.R. 9716, known as the Protecting Rights in Video and Equipment Acquired Discovery (PRIVACY) Act. This legislation aims to safeguard the privacy rights of Americans by mandating that federal law enforcement agencies obtain a warrant from a Federal judge before accessing surveillance data collected by state and local systems. The bill specifically targets intrusive technologies such as automated license plate readers (ALPRs), cameras capturing vehicle occupants, long-range microphones, and electronic fingerprint detection technology. Congressman Fulcher emphasized that if the federal government seeks to access data from state and local systems concerning citizens, a warrant should be a prerequisite. The PRIVACY Act also includes provisions to limit the retention of data obtained under a warrant to 30 days, unless it is evidence in a prosecution or a court grants an extension. Furthermore, it prohibits the use of federal funds for the purchase or ins...

Florida Governor DeSantis Orders Removal of Highway Surveillance Cameras, Citing Privacy Concerns

Florida Governor DeSantis Orders Removal of Highway Surveillance Cameras, Citing Privacy Concerns

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered local police to remove automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from state roads, signaling a pushback against what he terms an 'expanding digital AI surveillance state.' The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a memo revoking existing permits for ALPRs within state highway rights-of-way, giving law enforcement agencies 30 days to remove the devices. Governor DeSantis expressed concerns about the data collected by these cameras, questioning where it goes and how it is used, stating, 'It's really none of the government's damn business' what citizens are doing in their cars. This directive comes amidst reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes associated with ALPRs, which record vehicle sightings and feed searchable databases.