Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) has expressed significant concerns regarding Flock Safety's nationwide network of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). According to VitalLaw.com reporting on October 6, 2026, Senator Schumer stated that the ability for authorities to search ALPR data across jurisdictions poses "a unique and immediate threat" to Americans' privacy.
In a letter to Flock Chief Executive Officer Garrett Langley, Senator Schumer described Flock as having "essentially built a private, nationwide surveillance tool." He noted that the mass collection, retention, and sharing of location data on innocent people threatens Fourth Amendment rights. He specifically highlighted the "National Lookup Tool" as alarming, which allows agencies to search data collected far outside their own areas.
What Does This Mean for Drivers?
Drivers should know that their vehicle's location data, captured by ALPRs, could be accessible to law enforcement agencies beyond the local jurisdiction where the camera is located. This raises questions about how broadly your travel history might be shared and accessed. Senator Schumer also mentioned concerns about federal agencies potentially using Flock's network to track individuals exercising fundamental rights.
Flock Safety cameras capture images of license plates and vehicles. Drivers can explore how these cameras are deployed in their areas by checking our /map.
What Questions Can Residents Ask?
Residents can ask their local law enforcement and elected officials specific questions about ALPR use:
- What are the local policies for data retention from ALPRs?
- Are there safeguards in place to limit the use of national lookup tools by local agencies?
- Does the agency allow federal agencies to access locally collected ALPR data?
- What measures are in place to prevent misuse of ALPR systems, such as for personal reasons?
Senator Schumer's letter to Flock Safety's CEO also raised concerns about the cameras' vulnerability to hacking and documented instances of law enforcement personnel misusing ALPR systems for personal reasons. He set an October 16 deadline for Flock Safety to provide information on its data retention policies, safeguards for the national lookup tool, and whether cameras capture images of individuals outside of cars. A Flock spokesperson stated the company welcomes the opportunity to provide more information to policymakers and is committed to transparency.
This development is part of a broader, bipartisan discussion in Congress regarding ALPR technology. Senator Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) has been investigating the ALPR industry, and Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D., Ore.) introduced legislation to ban federal agencies from using ALPR technology. Drivers who want to learn more about how ALPRs work can visit our /learn section.