Rep. Thomas Massie introduces the Flock-Off Act to restrict funding for automated license plate reader cameras: ‘Federal taxpayers should not be forced to fund the surveillance state,’ he says
Rep. Thomas Massie unveiled legislation that would restrict federal funding for automated license plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras, arguing taxpayers should not be forced to bankroll technology used to monitor Americans.
The Flock-Off Act
The Kentucky Republican’s Flock-Off Act would prohibit federal money from being used to purchase, install, maintain, operate or upgrade automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and biometric surveillance cameras for municipalities and local law enforcement agencies.
Despite its name targeting Flock, a prominent license plate reader company, the legislation would apply broadly to companies across the surveillance technology sector.
Axon, which specializes in car-mounted cameras, describes an ALPR as an “AI-driven recording system for capturing audio and video in high-risk environments.”
Unlike traditional traffic cameras, the technology can record license plate numbers and details about vehicles to create what Axon calls a “vehicle signature.”
Restrictions over contracts
Massie’s legislation would also “withhold further federal funds” from recipients until they reimburse “the Treasury of the United States for the full amount of federal funds obligated.”
The restriction would cover contracts, subscriptions, licenses, data-sharing agreements and other arrangements with companies providing the technology.
The legislation includes exceptions, however, allowing federal funding for surveillance technology used within one mile of the northern and southern borders for “the detection and interdiction of unlawful entry, human trafficking and drug smuggling.”
Federal funding could also continue supporting cameras used solely to administer, collect or enforce tolls.
“The Flock-Off Act withholds federal money from municipalities and police departments that deploy Flock cameras to surveil law-abiding citizens. Federal taxpayers should not be forced to fund the surveillance state,” Massie said.
“The federal government shouldn’t provide ‘security’ grants to cities and police departments that have gone beyond the pale and turned their communities into a version of 1984,” he added.
Flock fights back
Flock pushed back against the proposal, warning that “withholding federal funding from the thousands of police departments that rely on license plate reader technology would have real consequences for public safety.”
“Rather than banning a critical public safety tool, Congress should consider strong, clear safeguards that ensure accountability, oversight and responsible use are enshrined in law,” the company said. “We do not have to choose between protecting privacy and giving law enforcement the tools it needs to keep communities safe. We can — and should — do both.”
Flock has faced privacy lawsuits and terminated contracts over alleged misuse. More than 150 cities have moved to cancel or reject contracts with the company, according to antisurveillance organization DeFlock.