Cut the cameras: Flock surveillance cameras spur rare bipartisan backlash

Key Points:

• Bipartisan opposition is growing in the US against Flock Safety's automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, driven by concerns over privacy abuses and government surveillance, despite the country's usual political divisions and a pro-tech presidential agenda.
• Flock Safety operates around 120,000 cameras nationwide, conducting about 2 billion license plate scans monthly, but has faced criticism after reports of misuse by police officers for stalking and tracking individuals, including those seeking abortions, and its data being used by ICE.
• Public opposition to ALPRs has increased significantly, with 46% of Americans now opposing their use in communities, leading to protests, destruction of cameras by vigilantes, and over 100 jurisdictions canceling contracts with Flock Safety.
• Politicians from both parties, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Bernie Sanders, are taking action against Flock cameras through legislation, investigations, and procurement bans, reflecting a rare bipartisan consensus on privacy and surveillance issues.
• Experts highlight that this backlash illustrates that surveillance technology deployment is not inevitable and emphasize the importance of public resistance to prevent government overreach and protect privacy rights.