Flock's license plate cameras banned in Florida and Texas over privacy fears
Florida's transportation department has ordered the removal of license plate readers from highways within 30 days, citing privacy and misuse concerns. Texas has similarly directed state agencies to halt funding for Flock's cameras after an officer was indicted for unauthorized database searches. The moves reflect growing bipartisan backlash over the surveillance network's accuracy and potential for abuse.
Flock operates roughly 130,000 license plate readers nationwide, and the company has faced criticism beyond these two states. Communities in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Oregon reported that Flock reactivated cameras after local contracts were terminated, raising questions about the company's compliance with local decisions.
The technology is also expanding beyond plate scanning into person identification and tracking. Recent incidents include police officers allegedly using the database to stalk former partners, and accuracy problems linked to wrongful stops and arrests. Texas's action followed a 100-count felony indictment against a Lufkin officer for unauthorized database searches.
The bans could reshape how law enforcement surveillance is governed across the country. If other states follow Florida and Texas, Flock's business model may face serious pressure, potentially slowing the spread of automated tracking networks. Residents in affected areas may gain greater privacy protections, while police departments could lose a tool they consider