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Texas blocks funding for Flock as backlash grows against AI surveillance cameras
Mashable • • nation
Key Points:
- Flock's AI surveillance cameras are facing bipartisan political opposition across the U.S., with both Republican and Democratic politicians criticizing their use and funding.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, recently blocked all state funding for Flock after reports revealed Texas spent at least $30 million on these cameras through grants funded by increased car insurance fees.
- Abbott's Democratic challenger, Gina Hinojosa, also criticized the governor for the widespread use of Flock cameras, highlighting privacy concerns such as warrantless tracking of license plates.
- Reports of law enforcement misuse of Flock cameras have sparked public backlash, leading to websites like Have I Been Flocked? that alert users if their license plates have been recorded.
- Beyond Texas, politicians in states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have campaigned against Flock surveillance, and Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has launched an investigation into the company's data handling practices.
