Florida and Texas Move to Restrict Flock Surveillance Cameras Over Privacy Concerns

Florida and Texas are taking steps to restrict the use of Flock surveillance cameras as concerns grow over privacy, data access and alleged misuse of the company’s license plate reader network.

The Florida Department of Transportation announced that it will stop using license plate readers on state highways, including systems such as Flock cameras. The agency cited concerns involving reports of misuse, data privacy issues and surveillance practices, giving the state 30 days to remove the cameras.

The decision followed comments from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who described license plate reader technology as “out of control” during a press conference before the state’s announcement.

Texas moves to cut funding for Flock cameras

Florida’s move came after Texas took similar action. The state directed agencies to stop funding Flock cameras after officials raised concerns about alleged misuse of the surveillance system.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office cited concerns over abuse of the technology, including the indictment of a Lufkin, Texas, police officer accused of using Flock’s database to track individuals without authorisation. The officer faces 100 felony counts related to the alleged database searches.

The Lufkin case has become part of broader scrutiny over how law enforcement agencies access and use automated license plate reader data.

Texas communities have also raised concerns about removing Flock systems, with some local governments facing challenges related to existing contracts and installed camera networks.

Dallas could be among the cities affected, as officials have reported hundreds of Flock cameras operating throughout the city.

Privacy concerns surround automated license plate readers

The debate over Flock comes as lawmakers and civil liberties groups raise broader questions about surveillance technology, including how long data is stored, who can access it and whether the systems are being used beyond their original purpose.

Reports have raised concerns about cases in which officers allegedly used Flock databases to monitor former partners or improperly access information. Investigations into alleged misuse by law enforcement personnel have added pressure on agencies using the technology.

Critics have also raised concerns about the accuracy of automated license plate recognition systems. Some individuals have reported being incorrectly tracked after camera systems flagged their vehicles, while civil liberties groups have documented cases involving alleged errors and resulting police actions.

Additional reporting has examined how Flock systems may be used to track movements rather than only identify vehicles, raising further concerns among privacy advocates.

Flock faces growing community opposition

Flock operates one of the largest automated license plate reader networks in the United States, with around 130,000 cameras deployed nationwide. The company has faced opposition from residents and local officials in several communities.

Some cities have reported disputes over camera removals and contract terminations. Evanston, Illinois, reported issues involving Flock cameras being reinstalled after officials sought their removal, while Cambridge, Massachusetts, ended its contract with the company.

Other communities have raised concerns about cameras remaining active after requests to disable them, adding to the ongoing debate over government oversight of surveillance technology.

The actions by Florida and Texas mark a significant challenge for Flock as states and local governments reconsider how automated tracking systems should be deployed and regulated.