US pushback against Flock surveillance cameras gathers pace as Massie targets funding
A growing US movement opposes Flock surveillance cameras, with Rep. Thomas Massie proposing to strip federal funds from jurisdictions using them. Local authorities and police departments are reviewing deployments amid privacy and abuse concerns.
Opposition to Flock automated license-plate-reader cameras is spreading across the United States. Congressman Thomas Massie has proposed cutting federal funding to municipalities and police departments that deploy such systems, adding legislative weight to grassroots pushback.
Local officials in several states are already reconsidering Flock deployments. The Los Angeles Police Department suspended its partnership with the company, citing unresolved questions around privacy, data sharing, security, and contract terms. Critics say the cameras are being used far beyond their stated purpose of investigating crimes and locating missing persons; the Institute for Justice has documented more than two dozen instances of law enforcement misuse.
Resistance is also taking a direct form. The Guardian tallied 33 incidents in 23 states where cameras were damaged or destroyed, with residents painting over lenses or physically knocking down the devices.
Source: ForkLog