Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., announced Wednesday that he is opening an investigation into Flock Safety, a company operating a network of AI-powered license plate readers across the U.S. The probe follows growing scrutiny of the technology’s privacy implications and potential misuse by law enforcement.
Flock Safety operates more than 120,000 cameras in 49 states, capturing billions of vehicle scans monthly and compiling data into a searchable database. The company has faced backlash from lawmakers and privacy advocates over concerns that the system enables unwarranted surveillance of Americans’ movements without judicial oversight.
Hawley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, sent a letter to Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley requesting details on the company’s data collection, retention, and sharing practices. In the letter, Hawley highlighted reports of police misuse, including a case in St. Charles County, Missouri, where a civilian employee ran searches for personal reasons, and a Milwaukee officer who searched his partner’s license plate over 100 times. The senator also cited instances where vehicles were incorrectly linked to crimes, leading to wrongful arrests.
Flock Safety has announced recent changes to its systems, including tighter controls on data access, in response to criticism. The company markets its technology as a tool for crime prevention, emphasizing its role in tracking stolen vehicles and solving serious offenses.
Government Response and Policy Debates
The scrutiny extends beyond Congress. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called the technology “out of control” and warned that it risks creating a surveillance state, despite his support for law enforcement tools. DeSantis stated that while tracking criminals is justified, monitoring the movements of ordinary citizens requires safeguards.
Privacy advocates, including Robert Frommer of the Institute for Justice, argue that the system lacks sufficient constitutional guardrails. Frommer advocates for warrant requirements before police can search historical data, except in emergencies. He noted that most law enforcement searches occur within days of a crime, making long-term data retention unnecessary.
Ongoing Concerns and Industry Response
Critics point to Flock’s expanding network, which now covers more than 120,000 locations nationwide, as evidence of an unprecedented surveillance infrastructure. Some municipalities have paused or canceled contracts with Flock over privacy concerns, while others continue to deploy the technology.
Flock Safety has defended its system, stating that it helps solve crimes and enhances public safety. The company has not publicly detailed all changes to its policies but has indicated a commitment to addressing misuse risks.
As the debate intensifies, lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for clearer regulations on AI-powered surveillance tools, balancing crime-fighting benefits with individual privacy protections.