Sen. Hawley Proposes Bill to Curb Flock Camera Misuse and AI Surveillance Risks
Sen. Josh Hawley introduces bill to limit Flock camera abuse, enhance data security, and protect privacy rights.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Senator Josh Hawley has introduced legislation aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding the use of Flock cameras and similar AI-driven surveillance technologies.
The proposed Stop Flock Abuse Act would impose stricter regulations on automated license plate readers, including enhanced data protection, security measures, and limitations on search functions. These devices, widely used by law enforcement, local governments, and private entities, have raised significant privacy and security issues.
Hawley’s bill requires written authorization for searches and mandates the maintenance of an audit log to track access. It also demands that data be encrypted and stored within the United States. The senator recently launched an investigation into Flock and other surveillance firms, and he called for testimony from company executives, though none appeared.
During a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing, Hawley expressed disappointment over the companies’ refusal to participate, stating that their input was essential to understanding how these systems operate. Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley acknowledged the need for federal oversight in a letter to the panel, emphasizing the importance of balancing public safety with accountability and responsible data practices.
Testimony from Florida resident Lindsey Isaacs highlighted the real-world consequences of misidentification. She was wrongly accused of fleeing a fatal accident after her vehicle was incorrectly flagged by a Flock camera, leading to her wrongful arrest and solitary confinement. I was terrified I might spend my life in prison for a crash I didn’t cause, she recalled.
Hawley described the hearing as revealing the potential threats AI-powered cameras pose to national security and personal privacy. Other lawmakers, including Sens. Raphael Warnock and Katie Britt, have joined the call for stronger oversight, urging the Department of Justice to provide clearer guidelines on the use of these technologies.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
