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Representative Paul Gosar Co-Leads Legislation to Restrict Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Representative Paul Gosar Co-Leads Legislation to Restrict Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) and Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) have introduced legislation, H.R. 10221, known as the Flock-Off Act, aimed at prohibiting the use of federal funds for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and biometric surveillance cameras. Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) is listed as an original co-sponsor of this bill, alongside Representatives Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Chip Roy (R-TX), and Victoria Spartz (R-IN). The proposed legislation seeks to cut off federal funding for 'Flock-style' surveillance by preventing federal money from being used to purchase, install, maintain, operate, or upgrade these camera systems. It also mandates federal agencies to remove federally funded systems and requires state and local recipients to cease operating them within 180 days to continue receiving relevant federal funding. Furthermore, the bill prohibits federal funds from covering contracts, subscriptions, cloud services, databases, or data-sharing arrangements linked to...

Nebraska County Defies City Council, Maintains Surveillance Cameras Despite Public Opposition

Nebraska County Defies City Council, Maintains Surveillance Cameras Despite Public Opposition

After the Ord City Council in Nebraska unanimously voted to remove two AI-powered Flock surveillance cameras, the Valley County Board of Supervisors decided to keep seven other Flock cameras operational outside Ord's city limits. This decision has sparked significant controversy among residents, who expressed concerns about privacy and lack of public input. Residents at a county meeting voiced strong opposition, stating they did not consent to the cameras' installation and do not want them in their county. The Valley County sheriff supports keeping the cameras. Data from these cameras has been accessed over 450,000 times in one month by various police departments and federal agencies, with hundreds of searches related to immigration offenses. The ACLU of Nebraska has criticized the widespread use of Flock cameras, warning that they are contributing to the creation of a nationwide mass surveillance system.

Maui Council Committee Advances License Plate Reader Bill, Delays Facial Recognition Measure

Maui Council Committee Advances License Plate Reader Bill, Delays Facial Recognition Measure

The Disaster Recovery, International Affairs and Planning Committee of the Maui County Council has voted to advance a bill regulating automated license plate reader technology while delaying action on a separate measure concerning facial recognition technology. The decision came after significant public testimony from residents urging stricter bans or restrictions on both technologies, citing concerns about privacy and surveillance. Bill 113, which addresses license plate readers, was approved with one dissenting vote from Council Member Gabe Johnson. This bill aims to prohibit the sale of automated license plate reader data and ensure that county contracts for these systems prevent vendors from using data for purposes outside the contract. Conversely, Bill 112, which would regulate facial recognition technology, was delayed until next year, with Council Chair Alice Lee citing a busy schedule and the need for more time to understand its implications. The Maui Police Department stated it does not currently ...

'Mock the Flock' Group Protests Surveillance Cameras in Wichita, Citing Privacy Concerns

'Mock the Flock' Group Protests Surveillance Cameras in Wichita, Citing Privacy Concerns

A new group named 'Mock the Flock' held its inaugural protest, 'Unflock the Block,' in northeast Wichita, Kansas, to raise awareness about concerns regarding Flock surveillance cameras. Members of the group, including Tom Maffei and Mary Stang, expressed their belief that these cameras are harmful and infringe upon privacy rights. Maffei cited instances across the country, including some in Sedgwick County, where police officers allegedly misused Flock cameras, such as stalking ex-partners. The protest saw support from passersby, with some even stopping their cars to join briefly. Protesters wore license plates and performed the Macarena dance to give the cameras 'something to look at.' The group aims to see the city remove these cameras and plans its next demonstration for Kansas Constitution Day on September 17.

Reps. Massie and Burlison Introduce 'Flock-Off Act' to Ban Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Reps. Massie and Burlison Introduce 'Flock-Off Act' to Ban Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) have introduced the 'Flock-Off Act,' legislation aimed at prohibiting the use of federal funds for automated license plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras. The bill seeks to prevent federal grants from contributing to what the lawmakers describe as a 'surveillance state' in American communities. While acknowledging that these cameras can be effective law enforcement tools, Rep. Burlison expressed concerns that thousands of networked cameras uploading data to searchable databases raise significant constitutional questions regarding privacy. The proposed legislation would cut off federal funding for such systems, requiring federally funded cameras to be removed and state/local agencies to cease operating federally supported systems within 180 days to continue receiving federal money. Exceptions are included for toll collection and cameras operating within one mile of the U.S. northern and southern borders.

Bipartisan 'Flock-Off Act' Introduced to Block Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Bipartisan 'Flock-Off Act' Introduced to Block Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

A bipartisan House bill, H.R. 10221, known as the 'Flock-Off Act,' has been introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) to prohibit federal funding for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and biometric surveillance cameras. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) among others, aims to prevent federal agencies and recipients of federal funding, including state, local, and tribal governments, from using federal money to purchase, operate, or support these camera systems. If enacted, federal agencies would have 180 days to remove federally funded systems, and state and local entities would need to cease operating them to continue receiving federal funds. The legislation defines covered camera systems as those that automatically capture and process vehicle or license plate images, or extract biometric information from people. Exceptions are made for cameras within one mile of U.S. borders for security purposes and for those used solely for toll collection.

Bipartisan Opposition Mounts Against Flock Safety AI Camera Network Over Privacy Concerns

Bipartisan Opposition Mounts Against Flock Safety AI Camera Network Over Privacy Concerns

A growing bipartisan coalition of U.S. politicians and local authorities is opposing Flock Safety's automatic license plate recognition cameras. Over 100 jurisdictions have already terminated contracts with the company, according to the nonprofit Institute for Justice. Flock Safety, founded in 2017, operates approximately 120,000 cameras across the United States, conducting about 2 billion scans monthly. These cameras photograph vehicle license plates, allowing police and private security firms to track vehicle movements. The company's software facilitates data sharing among law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The controversy intensified following reports of alleged misuse by police officers, who reportedly used the system to stalk former partners and track individuals seeking abortions. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has blocked state agencies from purchasing Flock products, while Senator Bernie Sanders plans to introduce legislation to restrict camera use. Sena...

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Pauses Use of Flock Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Pauses Use of Flock Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has announced a temporary halt to its use of Flock camera technology, which includes 75 license-plate readers across the county and townships. Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey stated that all Flock cameras will cease recording license plates, and the office will no longer access information provided by these cameras. This decision comes in response to growing public concerns regarding privacy and potential misuse of the technology. McGuffey emphasized that this is a 'pause' to allow for the establishment of stronger guardrails and parameters for the cameras' use, with the office looking to Flock and the Ohio legislature for guidance. The Sheriff's Office confirmed that no deputy has misused the technology, and the contract allows for cloaking or removing the cameras without additional cost to the county.

Dallas City Council Rejects Proposal to Defund Flock Camera System

Dallas City Council Rejects Proposal to Defund Flock Camera System

The Dallas City Council has voted against a budget amendment that sought to eliminate $1.5 million in funding for the Dallas Police Department's (DPD) Flock camera system. This decision comes shortly after DPD announced that 321 of its 684 Flock cameras would be deactivated by September 15 due to a State of Texas directive regarding grant funding eligibility. Council member Adam Bazaldua proposed the amendment, which would have effectively ended the program. However, the majority of the council strongly opposed the measure, arguing that the Flock cameras are instrumental in improving police efficiency and solving crimes. Only Mayor Pro Tem Jaime Resendez, council member Paula Blackmon, and Bazaldua supported the proposed defunding.

Gorham Considers Restrictions on AI Cameras, ICE Cooperation, and Data Centers Amid Public Concerns

Gorham Considers Restrictions on AI Cameras, ICE Cooperation, and Data Centers Amid Public Concerns

Gorham, Maine, is actively considering new restrictions on automated license plate reading (ALPR) cameras, cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the development of data centers. The Town Council recently voted to send these issues to its ordinance committee or planning board for review. Town Councilor Seven Siegel, who sponsored these initiatives, stated that the aim is to proactively prevent issues that have arisen in other towns. ALPR cameras, often referred to as Flock cameras, use artificial intelligence to scan and log vehicle information, marketed as law enforcement tools. Critics argue these cameras infringe upon Fourth Amendment protections and express concerns about data misuse, particularly its potential use by federal immigration authorities. South Portland recently terminated its contract with Flock Safety due to resident objections, and York residents will vote on banning the cameras in November. Additionally, the ordinance committee will consider banning municip...

Stevens Point Suspends Flock Camera Use Amid Data Privacy Concerns and Misuse Allegations

Stevens Point Suspends Flock Camera Use Amid Data Privacy Concerns and Misuse Allegations

The city of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, announced it will suspend the use of its Flock Safety license plate reading cameras starting September 8, due to growing nationwide concerns and allegations of data misuse. Mayor Mike Wiza stated that while the cameras have been valuable law enforcement tools, recent events have cast doubt on the trust regarding how Flock camera data is managed and shared. Allegations from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, concerning data sharing and management, along with reports of misuse by municipal and state employees across the country, contributed to the decision. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also recently banned these cameras from state highways due to similar concerns about misuse and surveillance. Stevens Point currently shares camera data with over 200 agencies, and Mayor Wiza indicated that city workers will cover the cameras while officials explore terminating the city's contract with Flock Safety.

The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio GOP lawmaker wants to ban most Flock camera surveillance

Ohio GOP lawmaker wants to ban most Flock camera surveillance

As local leaders pause Flock camera programs over concerns about mass surveillance, a Republican lawmaker wants to ban most of them.