Backlash grows against Flock Safety license-plate cameras and federal funding

Key developments

1. Sep 5, 2026

   Rep. Thomas Massie unveils the Flock-Off Act to bar federal funding for automated license-plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras, backed by Rep. Eric Burlison.

   6 sources on this →
2. Sep 5, 2026

   Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pauses state funding for Flock cameras, prompting Dallas to deactivate 321 of its 684 cameras amid privacy scrutiny and a Texas Tribune probe into $30 million in state grants.

   38 sources on this →

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Politics

Flock Cameras Face Growing National Scrutiny

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a pause on state funding for Flock AI-powered license-plate cameras, prompting Dallas to deactivate 321 of its 684 cameras on Sept. 15 while noting that most funding comes from federal sources. The move is part of a broader scrutiny of Flock networks as cities reassess contracts amid privacy concerns and a Texas Tribune investigation into roughly $30 million in state grants tied to the cameras.

38 sources

Politics

Massie and Burlison unveil Flock-Off Act to restrict surveillance camera funding

Rep. Thomas Massie unveiled the Flock-Off Act to bar federal funding for automated license plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras, requiring local funding and allowing penalties on violators. The legislation, backed by Rep. Eric Burlison and aimed at Flock Safety’s widespread network, reflects bipartisan privacy concerns and includes narrow exemptions for border security and toll collection.