Investigation Launched into Flock Safety's AI Surveillance Network and Data Practices

Senator Josh Hawley announced an investigation into Flock Safety's practices regarding the collection, retention, and dissemination of data gathered by its artificial intelligence cameras. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism held hearings focused on Flock Safety's nationwide network, which reportedly exceeds 120,000 cameras across 49 states. During these hearings, leaders of major surveillance companies, including Flock Safety, were absent. Concerns focused on how police officers used the technology, including the ability to reconstruct a pattern of life from collected data.

The investigation questions the scope of data collection and the safeguards around the company's network. The scrutiny involves the potential for misuse, such as romantic stalking and wrongful stops, which have been documented in relation to ALPR use. The findings could lead to calls for tighter rules and increased privacy safeguards around AI-powered license plate readers.