Bipartisan Coalition Challenges Flock Safety AI Surveillance Network

A cross-partisan coalition of lawmakers and civil liberties groups is challenging the expansion of Flock Safety, an AI-enabled license plate reader company with 120,000 cameras across 49 states. Critics argue the technology enables mass, indiscriminate surveillance and violates Fourth Amendment rights, citing instances where law enforcement officers allegedly used the system to stalk partners. In Sarasota, a police officer was arrested after allegedly using the technology to spy on a single license plate over 300 times.

Representatives Greg Steube, Keith Self, and Delia Ramirez have introduced or supported restrictive bills to limit the technology's capabilities. These lawmakers argue that AI enhancements have evolved the cameras beyond simple plate readers into tools capable of detailed vehicle fingerprinting. Meanwhile, cybersecurity researcher Benn Jordan and the group DeFlock have exposed security vulnerabilities in the hardware, leading some Massachusetts towns to cease using the system.

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley defended the infrastructure as essential for recovering stolen vehicles and finding missing children. Langley attributed some security flaws to faulty supplier SIM cards and stated the company has since patched these vulnerabilities and implemented new safety controls. Despite the backlash and protests in 44 states, Langley reports continued growth in contracts. President Donald Trump has stated that the cameras are currently under review.