Spectrum News reported on August 31 that lawmakers from both parties are questioning how Flock Safety cameras are used. The renewed attention followed the arrest of a Kentucky police officer accused of using the cameras to track his ex-girlfriend more than 2,000 times.
Who is questioning Flock cameras?
- Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. wrote on social media that the surveillance was carried out with "No warrant. No probable cause."
- Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., called for an end to "AI MASS SURVEILLANCE," and named Flock Safety among the companies behind such readers.
- Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., sent the company a letter citing a "woeful lack of safeguards" and questions about what Flock does with the data it collects.
- Juliette Kayyem, a former Department of Homeland Security official, says the cameras pick up information unrelated to any crime.
- Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, has pointed to the spread of the technology in his campaign.
Spectrum News says the cameras can help create searchable databases for law enforcement.
What has Flock said?
Flock says it "supports legislation that creates guardrails" for how plate data is used and shared. The company did not name a bill in the article. Earlier in August, Flock said it was changing its platform to address privacy concerns and to document abuses.
Flock says its cameras have helped with roughly 1 million police investigations. Its spokesperson said the company received Hawley's letter and looks forward to working with him.
What is Hawley asking for?
Hawley says he wants law enforcement to have tools to catch offenders. He is still launching an investigation into Flock and wants the company to provide the requested documents no later than September 8, according to Spectrum News.
What changes for drivers?
Spectrum News does not describe a new law or a new rule that applies to any city, county or state. The story covers letters, investigations and public statements from federal lawmakers and Flock. It does not say what happens to cameras already in use.
Use the camera map to see which cameras are installed near you, and how plate readers work for background on what the cameras capture.
What is still unknown?
- Spectrum News does not name the legislation Flock supports.
- It does not say what changes Flock made to its platform, or when.
- It does not say whether Flock will meet the September 8 deadline.
The next date is September 8, when Hawley's requested documents are due.