Sen. Hawley Questions Flock Safety’s Surveillance Practices Amid Privacy Concerns

Senator Josh Hawley is seeking clarity from Flock Safety regarding its extensive AI camera network and whether it has inadvertently established a searchable database tracking Americans’ movements. This comes as various communities across the nation reconsider their use of this technology due to escalating privacy concerns.

Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, expressed to Fox News Digital that “Flock has assembled an unprecedented national surveillance network,” highlighting the company’s claim of having over 120,000 cameras spread across 49 states, generating upwards of 20 billion vehicle scans each month.

He stated, “I’m investigating Flock cameras to determine who has access to hundreds of millions of Americans’ data and what they’re doing with it. Americans deserve answers.”

Lawmakers Alarmed by Surveillance Growth

Robert Frommer, director of the Institute for Justice’s Project on the Fourth Amendment, emphasized that the core issue isn’t merely the existence of cameras, but the capability of police to access individuals’ past movements without judicial oversight. “The No. 1 reform that I think is needed here is a warrant,” Frommer said, advocating for judicial approval before employing such tools.

He noted exceptions for emergency situations, where police might need immediate access in cases of imminent danger or missing persons, but insisted on accountability afterward if a warrant wasn’t obtained.

Frommer explained, “Most law enforcement searches are things that happen within a few days of the crime. You don’t need to be keeping this gigantic database on everybody’s movements.” This raises questions about the balance between public safety and privacy rights.

Investigation Underway

Hawley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, initiated his investigation in a letter to Flock’s CEO Garrett Langley. He contended that Flock’s network extends well beyond the local investigations for which surveillance equipment is typically intended.

Flock’s automated license plate reader technology captures detailed information on passing vehicles, including license plates, descriptions, locations, and timestamps. The Atlanta-based company offers this technology to law enforcement, businesses, and homeowners associations.

Flock’s spokesperson, Paris Lewbel, indicated that the company is aware of Hawley’s inquiry and plans to respond to the subcommittee’s questions. “We look forward to working with Senator Hawley and the Subcommittee to provide additional context,” she stated.

Concerns Over Privacy and Trust

Hawley has made it clear that while law enforcement needs effective tools to maintain safety, protecting the privacy of citizens during ordinary activities is just as vital. He emphasized, “Americans do not surrender their privacy rights when they drive to work, drop their kids off at school, or go to church.” This perspective reflects a broader, ongoing debate about the implications of surveillance technology on civil liberties.

As scrutiny of Flock’s technology heightens, cities like Pflugerville, Texas, have moved to terminate agreements with the company due to these concerns. The Pflugerville City Council recently voted to end their use of Flock cameras, with officials citing a deterioration of community trust. Mayor Doug Weiss remarked, “Public safety and public trust have to go hand in hand.”

Pflugerville Police Chief Willie Richards acknowledged the usefulness of automated license plate readers but stressed that confidence in privacy safeguards is essential. The determination to sever ties with Flock underscores growing trepidation regarding data privacy in the realm of surveillance technology.

In Hood County, Texas, the Commissioners Court similarly opted to dismantle their relationship with Flock, with Constable John Shirley commenting that constant surveillance of average citizens is unacceptable in a free society. His statement highlighted a commitment to individual liberty alongside effective policing.

Meanwhile, Tempe, Arizona, has also ceased its use of Flock cameras, expressing concerns over the technology following recent controversies. Despite no evidence of misuse from their own systems, officials decided not to replace the Flock technology, showing a significant shift in attitudes toward automated surveillance tools across different regions.

As discussions surrounding privacy and surveillance continue, Frommer pointed out that constitutional protections must apply to any interconnected license plate reader technologies, reinforcing the need for safeguards irrespective of the company supplying the technology.