Senator Hawley Questions Flock Safety Over AI Camera Network Privacy
Senator Josh Hawley and a Senate Judiciary Committee panel are scrutinizing Flock Safety's network of AI-powered license plate cameras in the United States, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse of the collected data.
Baltimore, MD, September 23, 2026 —
Senator Josh Hawley, alongside a panel from the Senate Judiciary Committee, is initiating a review of Flock Safety’s extensive network of artificial intelligence-powered license plate reading cameras operating across the United States. The scrutiny centers on significant concerns regarding the privacy implications of the vast amounts of data collected by these devices and the potential for its misuse.
Flock Safety, a company that provides surveillance technology, utilizes automated license plate readers (ALPRs) equipped with AI capabilities. These cameras are deployed in numerous communities nationwide, ostensibly to aid law enforcement in tracking vehicles and solving crimes. However, the expansive data capture capabilities have prompted lawmakers to investigate the safeguards in place to protect citizen privacy.
The core of the committee’s concern lies in the sheer volume of information gathered, including not just license plate numbers but potentially associated location data and timestamps. This has led to questions about who has access to this data, how long it is retained, and what measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access or surveillance creep. The potential for misuse, whether by private entities or government agencies, is a key area of focus for the investigation.
As the Senate Judiciary Committee delves deeper into Flock Safety’s operations, the review is expected to examine the company’s data handling policies, its partnerships with law enforcement agencies, and the specific AI technologies employed in its camera systems. The outcome of this scrutiny could influence future regulations governing the use of private surveillance technology and the collection of personal data in public spaces. Specific details regarding the timeline of the review or potential findings have not yet been provided.
Story summarized from the original created by The Hill Staff on thehill.com, see more information here.
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