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Flock Safety surveillance technology faces bans and funding halts in Florida and Texas
A growing movement against automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology, specifically systems provided by Flock Safety, has led to significant policy shifts across several U.S. states.
In Florida, the Department of Transportation has ordered the removal of license plate readers from state highway rights-of-way within 30 days and will cease issuing new permits for such systems. This directive follows concerns from Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the potential for a “surveillance state” and the misuse of data. Several Florida sheriffs, including those in Duval, Liberty, Putnam, and Volusia counties, have already announced the discontinuation of their Flock camera programs.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to halt funding for Flock Safety cameras. This decision follows reports of potential misuse and concerns that funds intended for fighting catalytic converter theft were being diverted to surveillance networks.
In Leon County, Florida, Sheriff Walt McNeil has suspended the use of all license plate recognition technology pending the development of new oversight and auditing standards from law enforcement accreditation organizations.
Nationwide, the backlash includes public protests, reports of camera vandalism, and increasing legislative efforts to regulate data retention and access. While law enforcement officials argue the technology is a vital tool for solving crimes and locating missing persons, critics and civil liberties advocates warn of the risks of mass surveillance and the creation of detailed movement profiles of citizens.
Entities
Daniel Laughlin · Flock Safety · Florida Department of Transportation · Greg Abbott · Josh Shapiro · Lisa Boscola · Pennsylvania · Ron DeSantis · United States · Walt McNeil
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Governor Josh Shapiro supports bipartisan legislation to ban Flock cameras across the state. justthenews.com · thenerdstash.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Proposed legislation by Sen. Lisa Boscola would ban the unauthorized use of automated surveillance information. justthenews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] There are more than 2,500 Flock cameras currently in place in Pennsylvania. www.altoonamirror.com · justthenews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Flock cameras automatically identify vehicles and catalog movements into a searchable network. www.altoonamirror.com · justthenews.com · linknky.com · www.thepostemail.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Flock Safety claims to have 120,000 cameras throughout the United States. www.thepostemail.com · thedigestonline.com · www.antitechrevolution.org · internewscast.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Senator Lisa Boscola proposed legislation to ban the unauthorized use of automated surveillance systems. justthenews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sen. Daniel Laughlin intends to introduce legislation to ban Flock cameras in Pennsylvania. www.altoonamirror.com · justthenews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Flock cameras allow for the tracking and reconstruction of a person's movements over time. www.altoonamirror.com · justthenews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Governor Josh Shapiro expressed support for bipartisan legislation to ban Flock cameras in Pennsylvania. justthenews.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The Florida Department of Transportation ordered the removal of license plate readers from state highway rights-of-way within 30 days. www.cubaheadlines.com · www.fox5atlanta.com · 100percentfedup.com · floridadaily.com · www.lifesitenews.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Governor Greg Abbott ordered Texas state agencies to halt funding for Flock Safety surveillance cameras. bitnewsbot.com · bitcoinethereumnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs issued a 30-day cancellation of the county's agreement with Flock Safety. www.knoxfocus.com