Flock Surveillance Cameras Face Bipartisan Opposition Over Privacy Concerns

Flock cameras are encountering resistance from both political parties as privacy concerns mount. Local governments are opting to discontinue these AI surveillance tools, worried about potential privacy breaches.

‘The Five’ discussed the pros and cons of license plate readers, balancing their utility against the risks of surveillance misuse. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced concerns about an expanding surveillance presence in over 100 cities.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to pause funding Thursday for AI-powered Flock cameras, which have come under scrutiny nationwide amid privacy concerns.

Abbott’s office communicated to Fox News Digital the intention to halt state-agency funding for Flock cameras. They noted federal sources provide most funding for them.

Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott’s spokesperson, stated, “Almost all Flock cameras in Texas are used by cities, and those cities are increasingly canceling their contracts with Flock.”

Abbott’s move mirrors actions by multiple Texas communities reconsidering their engagement with Flock, highlighting privacy issues. The Pflugerville City Council recently voted to terminate its agreement with Flock and disabled the 28 camera readers covered by their contract.

Similarly, Hood County’s Commissioners Court decided to end its relationship with Flock and instructed that its cameras be disconnected until removed.

Abbott remarked in a radio interview about the growing pressure from residents prompting cities and counties to cancel contracts with Flock Safety.

Flock Safety spokesperson Paris Lewbel defended the technology:

“Flock’s technology is an important public safety tool for law enforcement agences across Texas, helping officers solve serious crimes, find missing people, recover stolen vehicles, and support safer communities.”

The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, a state body established to counter automobile-related offenses, has facilitated the installation of over 3,000 Flock cameras since 2023. Funding came from a law charging an additional $1 on vehicle insurance policies, aimed at combating catalytic converter theft.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller earlier advocated for Governor Abbott to cease new surveillance technology purchases in an op-ed for the Houston Chronicle.

Concerns about Flock’s surveillance are spreading beyond Texas. U.S. Senator Josh Hawley is seeking information from Flock Safety regarding the privacy of their vast surveillance network. Hawley highlighted the company’s extensive reach, spanning 49 states and executing over 20 billion vehicle scans monthly.

Hawley’s probe seeks clarity on the accessibility of sensitive data amassed from countless vehicle scans.