Senators Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley, alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have introduced the Ban Flock Act aiming to block federal government use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), including Flock cameras, amidst growing public privacy concerns.
- Federal ban targets all automatic license plate readers, not just Flock cameras
- Data retention under exceptions limited to 48 hours
- State and local governments could still use ALPRs but lose federal funding
What happened
US Senators Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley, along with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have introduced the Ban Flock Act at the federal level. The legislation aims to prevent federal agencies from acquiring, possessing, or using automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), including the surveillance technology operated by companies like Flock. The bill includes limited exceptions, such as toll collection, but any approved use would be subject to a strict 48-hour data retention rule.
If passed, the act would also remove federal funding for state and local governments that invest in ALPR technology, effectively discouraging its use beyond the federal level. Private ownership and use by residents’ associations would remain unaffected. However, the bill faces challenging odds due to timing and existing legislative priorities, with little chance of passing before Congress adjourns in January.
Why it matters
The Ban Flock Act reflects growing concerns over privacy and government surveillance practices tied to automatic license plate readers. Advocates argue that these cameras have been misused by law enforcement and others to monitor individuals without sufficient oversight, raising fears about creating a pervasive surveillance state. The legislation highlights the need to balance technological capabilities with civil liberties protections.
By proposing federal restrictions and cutting funding to lower government levels that use ALPR systems, the bill attempts to curb widespread adoption of these surveillance tools. The limitations on data retention further emphasize privacy safeguards. Public reactions on platforms like Reddit suggest a desire for even broader regulation extending beyond ALPRs to other types of surveillance technologies.
What to watch next
Attention is also warranted for potential state-level actions, as states and municipalities decide independently whether or not to fund and deploy ALPR systems in the absence of federal support. Continued public debate and advocacy could push for wider reforms in surveillance regulation, possibly influencing future legislative efforts beyond this current proposal.