The Florida Department of Transportation has instructed law enforcement agencies to deactivate all Flock cameras and other license plate recognition devices.
In a statement, the department noted a “recent exponential increase” in these monitoring devices, prompting the need for action to protect the “sovereignty and quality of life” of Floridians.
‘It’s really none of the government’s damn business if you’re doing that.’
A nationwide movement has emerged, with citizens claiming that Flock cameras infringe on their privacy rights by tracking their locations.
Proponents of the camera system argue that the information is crucial for law enforcement efforts and that concerns regarding privacy are exaggerated.
Among the critics is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has voiced apprehensions about the technology’s implications for privacy.
In a recent press conference, he expressed, “They claim that the companies aren’t going to misuse it, but no one’s watching that. And I know you can make some money selling cameras, but you really can make a lot of money if you can sell people’s data, and that’s what the legislature is going to need to address.”
DeSantis pointed out instances where the technology has been misused, resulting in invasions of privacy for residents.
He cited a case involving an officer in Florida who used LPR data to monitor an ex-girlfriend: “I don’t think we had really strong penalties at all for that type of misuse.”
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office mentioned, in response to the directive, that it was already in the process of removing the cameras.
Despite the order, about “20 privately owned and operated ALPR cameras” in the county will remain in place, according to the sheriff’s office statement.
DeSantis added, “You know, you want to get in your car, and you want to go down to Buc-ee’s in Saint Augustine. It’s really none of the government’s damn business if you’re doing that.”
