Hawley opens investigation into Flock cameras
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) on Wednesday sent a letter to Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley, raising concerns about the company’s “unprecedented national surveillance network.”
TL;DR
- Senator Josh Hawley is investigating Flock Safety's national surveillance network of AI-powered license plate readers.
- Hawley cites concerns about the collection, retention, and dissemination of data, and the potential for misuse by law enforcement.
- The investigation will look into incidents of misuse, including stalking and inaccurate arrests, and the lack of safeguards.
- Concerns are also raised about how data is stored, sold, or used for commercial applications, given Flock's high valuation.
- Flock Safety has announced recent changes, including tightening data retention periods and requiring case numbers for searches.
- Hawley emphasizes that law enforcement tools should not compromise citizens' privacy and that Congress has not authorized such a network.
- Flock Safety stated they will respond to the subcommittee's questions and provide information about their technology and safeguards.