Texas agency suspends Flock camera approvals
The pause follows mounting privacy backlash as Texas officials say 13,000 Flock cameras are already operating statewide.
- On Thursday, the Texas Department of Transportation suspended issuing new permits for Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers along Texas state roads, following a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
- Abbott's late August order blocked state funding for the devices, citing concerns that citizens deserve "clarity about how these cities and counties are using them" to protect Fourth Amendment rights.
- Texas currently hosts more than 13,500 ALPRs across 218 counties, with Harris County reporting the highest concentration at 3,546, while law enforcement officials defend the technology as vital for solving crimes.
- City governments are increasingly canceling contracts with Flock Safety due to public backlash, though the permit pause does not affect more than 900 devices already operating on Texas rights-of-way.
- Scrutiny of AI-powered surveillance mirrors actions in other states, as Abbott insists that "their privacy must be protected" regarding the usage of this technology across Texas.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Abbott Freezes New Permits for Flock Cameras in Texas
Texas has hit pause on a roadside surveillance tech that's drawing opposition around the country. Gov. Greg Abbott has directd the state's transportation department to stop resulting permits for new Flock cameras and other automated license platform readers along state highways, a boomeseson confirmed. Existing devices—included more than 900...
Texas freezes installation of Flock cameras along state roads – WTOP News
At Gov. Greg Abbott’s direction, the Texas Department of Transportation has stopped issuing permits allowing Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers to be installed along state roads. The pause, confirmed Thursday by an agency spokesperson, does not affect cameras already installed along state rights-of-way, including more than 900 cameras operated by the Texas...
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