Texas Governor Freezes State Funding for Flock AI Surveillance Cameras Amid Privacy Backlash
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has blocked further state funding for Flock Safety's AI-powered license plate reading cameras, according to reports. The decision comes as the surveillance technology faces growing criticism from across the political spectrum over privacy implications.
The funding freeze follows reporting by the Texas Tribune that revealed the state has already spent more than $30 million on Flock cameras. That money was raised primarily through a $1 fee added to insurance policies, ostensibly to fund efforts against catalytic converter theft.
Flock cameras have faced increased scrutiny due to privacy concerns and several documented incidents of misuse. Law enforcement officers in multiple jurisdictions have been placed on administrative leave or criminally charged for unauthorized access to or misuse of the Flock surveillance systems.
The governor's decision to halt spending precedes the publication of the Texas Tribune investigation, suggesting the administration became aware of the growing controversy and the scope of expenditures before public attention intensified.
Flock Safety's cameras automatically capture and process license plate data, storing the information in company databases. Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about the collection and retention of such data on American drivers, while some conservative groups have also expressed opposition to what they view as government overreach into individual privacy.