Ban Flock Act Would Restrict Federal Use of Automatic License Plate Readers
Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the "Ban Flock Act" on Friday, proposing to prohibit federal agencies from using automatic license plate readers. The legislation specifically targets systems produced by Flock Safety, a company that manufactures ALPR cameras deployed across numerous U.S. communities.
Automatic license plate readers capture and store license plate data from passing vehicles, creating detailed records of vehicle movements. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the mass collection of such data, arguing it enables mass surveillance without adequate safeguards.
The bill represents a direct response to the proliferation of ALPR technology by law enforcement and municipalities. The introduction follows reporting by 404 Media on Flock Safety's operations and the expanding use of its surveillance infrastructure throughout the country.