High-profile Republicans are cautioning against the use of automated license plate readers and surveillance systems such as Flock Safety, opening investigations and urging legislative guardrails.
Sen. Josh Hawley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, kicked off an investigation into Flock’s national artificial intelligence-powered network, questioning the company’s “collection, retention and dissemination” of data.
In a letter to Flock CEO Garrett Langley, the Missouri Republican pointed to “examples of abuse and misuse of personal data that reveal the woeful lack of safeguards in these systems.”
Mr. Hawley wants law enforcement to have the appropriate tools, but “Americans do not surrender their privacy rights when they drive to work, drop their kids off at school or go to church.”
Because Congress never authorized this surveillance network, Flock’s internal policies are the only safeguards, he said.
Mr. Hawley is requesting documents related to the company’s policies around law enforcement access, where cameras are and suspected misuse of data collected.
The automated license plate reader cameras are used by police and neighborhood associations in 49 states, totaling over 120,000 cameras.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke out against Flock cameras at a Wednesday news conference at Florida International University, saying the license plate readers are “out of control.”
The Republican said that while cops need tools to catch criminals, the public is “right to be concerned” about the lack of legislative guardrails.
He urged legislative action to prevent a “surveillance state.”
Mr. DeSantis added that he requested an accounting of how state agencies utilize license plate readers, noting that state agency usage appears much smaller and more limited compared with the widespread deployment by police departments and sheriff’s offices.
Not every conservative is on board.
Florida’s Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, a former Republican who became an independent, has publicly criticized anti-Flock candidates, asking earlier this month, “Why would you handcuff us and take something away that is saving lives and arresting the bad guys?”
But Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, said last week that he is “deeply troubled” by reports regarding the potential misuse and tracking capabilities of Flock cameras, calling for a comprehensive state review to safeguard citizen privacy.
Prominent GOP candidates have made opposition to the technology a central campaign issue.
In Florida, Byron Donalds, the GOP nominee in hopes of replacing Mr. DeSantis as governor, called for a “full pause” on Flock contracts.
Concern about AI surveillance has bipartisan roots, stemming back to when Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Democrat, and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois Democrat, sent oversight letters to Flock in 2025.
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