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Flock surveillance cameras become midterm campaign target as voters balk at tech companies' power

Flock surveillance cameras become midterm campaign target as voters balk at tech companies' power

Across the country and up and down the ballot, candidates from both parties are increasingly on the attack over Flock cameras

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. ...

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, ...

Texas senator calls Flock cameras 'warrantless mass surveillance'

Texas senator calls Flock cameras 'warrantless mass surveillance'

Texas state Sen. Kolkhorst wants to put "constitutional rein"' on Flock cameras and warns of possible ban, as cities moves to cut ties with them.

Greenville Police Department Halts Flock Camera Rollout Following Community Privacy Concerns

Greenville Police Department Halts Flock Camera Rollout Following Community Privacy Concerns

The Greenville Police Department (GPD) has decided to abandon its plans to implement Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. This decision came after significant feedback from the community, City Council, and the City Manager’s Office, which raised concerns about privacy and data access. In early July, GPD had announced intentions to purchase and install 10 Flock cameras along major entry and exit routes of the city to assist in crime solving, vehicle recovery, and locating missing persons. However, none of these cameras were installed. The reversal follows a packed City Council meeting on August 24, where numerous residents voiced opposition to the technology. Jeanette Doran, Chief Legal Officer at the John Locke Foundation, supported Greenville's decision, emphasizing that while the cameras can aid law enforcement, the routine recording of thousands of innocent people's movements presents fundamental surveillance and privacy issues.

Kentucky Lawmakers Question Flock Safety Over License Plate Reader Camera Privacy Concerns

Kentucky Lawmakers Question Flock Safety Over License Plate Reader Camera Privacy Concerns

Kentucky lawmakers heard testimony from Flock Safety, a company that manufactures automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, regarding concerns about police misuse, data ownership, and privacy. Kevin Kane, Flock Safety's director of governmental affairs, addressed questions from legislators, including State Rep. Jennifer Decker, who expressed worries about a potential 'surveillance state.' Kane emphasized that customers, meaning law enforcement agencies, control data sharing and that Flock Safety does not sell data. He also highlighted safeguards, such as audit logs, which have reportedly helped identify improper searches by officers. However, Northern Kentucky Republican TJ Roberts raised concerns about Flock Safety's patents, which he claims indicate facial recognition technology integration, a claim Kane denied, stating the company's ALPRs do not utilize or like facial recognition technology.

Florida Governor DeSantis Blocks License Plate Reader Use on State Roads Despite Prior Funding Approvals

Florida Governor DeSantis Blocks License Plate Reader Use on State Roads Despite Prior Funding Approvals

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has blocked the use of license plate readers on state roads, citing concerns about a potential 'surveillance state' and the misuse of personal movement data. This decision comes despite DeSantis having approved approximately $4.6 million in requests from local law enforcement agencies for these very devices over the past year, specifically for illegal immigration enforcement efforts. The State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which includes DeSantis and other state officials, has approved about $147 million in grants from a $250 million fund for local police related to illegal immigration enforcement, with $21 million already disbursed. The cameras, manufactured by companies like Flock Safety, utilize artificial intelligence to track vehicles, detect make, model, color, and speed, and can operate in low-light conditions. Law enforcement agencies had been transparent about their intent, with some, like St. Johns County, planning to deploy them in high-traffic areas such as I-9...

Ulta Beauty Faces Public Backlash Over Use of AI-Powered License Plate Readers in Store Parking Lots

Ulta Beauty Faces Public Backlash Over Use of AI-Powered License Plate Readers in Store Parking Lots

Ulta Beauty Faces Public Backlash Over Use of AI-Powered License Plate Readers in Store Parking Lots

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.

Massachusetts Lawmakers Propose New Regulations for Automated License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns

Massachusetts Lawmakers Propose New Regulations for Automated License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns

State Representative Steven Owens of Watertown has introduced a bill aimed at creating new rules for the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Massachusetts. This move comes amid growing community pushback and concerns over privacy and surveillance, with several municipalities, including Watertown, having already canceled or ended contracts with Flock Safety, a major ALPR provider. Owens' proposal includes requiring police to obtain a court order before sharing ALPR data with outside agencies. Currently, individual law enforcement agencies decide whether to share footage with Flock Safety's database. Critics, including Owens and Northeastern University associate professor Matthew Ross, argue that ALPRs are 'ripe for abuse' and could function as a 'loophole around the Fourth Amendment,' potentially allowing tracking of individuals seeking legal care across state lines.

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...

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...