Maine Lawmakers Seek Statewide Ban on AI Flock Cameras

David Boyer, a libertarian Republican State Representative, sponsored legislation to implement a statewide ban on Flock cameras, which are AI-powered vehicle identification tools used by police departments. The proposed law seeks to extend existing bans on private property owners to all users across the state.

Boyer is collaborating with Republican State Representatives Quentin Chapman and Laurel Libby to collect signatures for a local referendum to ban the cameras specifically in Auburn. This legislative push has gained bipartisan support, including from former Senate President Troy Jackson, a Democrat.

Flock cameras differ from traditional license plate readers by utilizing artificial intelligence to identify vehicles based on color, model, and accessories. The manufacturer, Flock Safety, states that the technology does not use facial recognition.