Florida and Texas move to block Flock cameras over privacy concerns

The states of Florida and Texas are moving to end their relationship with surveillance giant Flock, as the company faces increasing backlash over privacy concerns and misuse of its tracking technology.

Florida’s Department of Transportation said in a memo on Monday that it will cease using license plate readers across the state’s highways, such as Flock’s cameras, citing “concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes.” The state now has 30 days to remove the cameras.

The decision comes days after Florida governor Ron DeSantis called the license plate reading technology “out of control” in remarks during a press conference last Wednesday.

Florida follows similar action by Texas, which last week ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras. Texas governor Greg Abbott’s office cited abuse of the surveillance system, including the recent indictment of a Lufkin, Texas police officerwith 100 felony counts related to allegedly searching...

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