Politics
Lawmakers and local governments push back against Flock Safety surveillance cameras
Bipartisan concerns over privacy and technology misuse spark calls for federal guardrails and local contract cancellations.
The short version
- U.S. lawmakers from both major parties and several local jurisdictions are pushing back against automated license plate readers, particularly those manufactured by Flock Safety.
- Opponents cite privacy risks and specific misuse incidents, including a Florida police officer who was fired and arrested after allegedly tracking a license plate more than 300 times.
- Flock Safety's chief executive defended the technology's public safety record, stated the cameras do not employ facial recognition, and supported establishing regulatory standards.
Key facts
- A former Sarasota, Florida, police officer was fired and arrested for allegedly using Flock camera technology to spy on a single license plate over 300 times.[Fox News]
- Local jurisdictions including Lansing, Michigan, and Bernalillo County, New Mexico, have taken action to cut ties with Flock Safety.[Fox News]
- Flock Safety founder and CEO Garrett Langley stated that the company's systems do not use facial recognition technology and that the firm added new safety controls following public criticism.[Fox News]
- Federal lawmakers, including Representatives Greg Steube, Keith Self, Tim Burchett, Thomas Massie, and Delia Ramirez, have raised concerns or proposed restrictions regarding uninhibited camera surveillance.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether federal legislation regulating automatic license plate readers will be enacted by Congress.[Fox News]