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Lawmakers move to block federal funding for Flock license plate cameras
The measure follows cases cited by privacy groups, including allegations that automated license plate reader data was used in personal investigations rather than only for missing persons or crime.
Privacy and surveillance concerns around Flock Safety cameras have escalated to Capitol Hill, where Rep. Thomas Massie is preparing legislation that would withhold federal funding from agencies deploying the internet-connected license plate reader technology, Decrypt reports.
The backlash has also spread through local government decisions, with deployments in places including California and Indiana suspended, canceled, or reconsidered after public opposition.
Critics point to cases the Institute for Justice says involved alleged misuse of automated license plate reader systems, including over two dozen instances in which officers resigned or were arrested after prosecutors claimed the technology was used to stalk romantic partners. Decrypt also notes a February case involving Milwaukee prosecutors charging an officer and a separate July case involving allegations that an internal affairs detective used Flock for personal reasons.
The report adds that opposition has included direct action against cameras, with the Guardian identifying at least 33 incidents across 23 states. Decrypt says the company CEO Garrett Langley apologized after referring to anti-surveillance activists as “terrorists,” as privacy groups argue agencies have used license plate data beyond the technology’s stated public safety purposes.