Keith Self Proposes Federal Warrants for Flock Safety Data

The expansion of Flock Safety's AI-powered license plate surveillance network across Texas has triggered a political backlash over privacy and potential abuse. The system is utilized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and more than 200 local agencies, allowing law enforcement to search vehicle data without warrants. Critics, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, point to systemic risks and reports of officers using the technology to stalk romantic interests or assist in immigration enforcement.

In response, U.S. Representative Keith Self proposed federal legislation that would require law enforcement agencies to obtain warrants before accessing Flock data. This legislative push follows a wave of local resistance, where cities such as Austin and Bandera terminated their contracts. In Houston and Dallas, some cameras have been vandalized or dismantled by vigilantes, with Dallas police reporting 25 attacks on the devices since March.

Law enforcement officials defend the technology as essential for public safety. The Hewitt Police Department maintains that the cameras are invaluable for solving crimes and protecting domestic violence victims. The Texas Department of Public Safety also continues to deploy automated license plate readers across state rights-of-way to improve security and support state operations.