Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has ordered state agencies to pause funding for controversial Flock safety cameras amid rising concerns over privacy violations and misuse.
AI-powered Flock cameras are a unique type of automated license plate reader often used by law enforcement. The cameras can track and store data on vehicle characteristics, including a car’s make, model and color. Agencies using the technology can also share access with other departments, creating a vast network of surveillance data.
But the tool has recently come under fire from members of the public and Congress over concerns about potential misuse and invasion of privacy.
"Almost all Flock cameras in Texas are used by cities, and those cities are increasingly canceling their contracts with Flock," a spokesperson from Gov. Abbott's office said in a statement.
This move by Gov. Abbott comes after The Texas Tribune reported that the state legislature increased auto insurance costs to purchase and maintain about 3,200 Flock cameras across the state in 2023.
Protecting Americans’ right to privacy is not a new concern among members of Congress, as both Republicans and Democrats voted against renewing a portion of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) over privacy concerns in June.
Representative Keith Self (R-TX) recently introduced the federal PRIVACY Act to require federal agencies to obtain warrants to access local and state surveillance data.
"Big Brother has NO place in the Lone Star State,” Rep. Self said in a social media post.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) has also continued to speak out against Flock cameras, often arguing that it represents a dangerous form of mass surveillance.
“Mass Surveillance + Government + AI is a very, very bad combo for freedom,” Rep. Roy said on X.
Democrats, like Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), have also expressed concerns that these cameras are also being misused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
“Flock is spying on our communities, and everyone, including immigrants and our Black and Brown neighbors, pays the price,” Rep. Tlaib said on social media.
