Amid growing bipartisan backlash, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has frozen state spending on Flock’s AI surveillance cameras. This decision came shortly before a Texas Tribune investigation revealed that the state had spent over $30 million on these systems. The funding was reportedly raised through a $1 fee on insurance policies, originally intended to combat catalytic converter theft.
Flock cameras have faced criticism from across the political spectrum due to escalating privacy concerns. Several incidents have occurred where officers faced disciplinary action or criminal charges for misusing the technology, with at least six cases reported in Texas alone. The company faces scrutiny over its data-sharing practices, the placement of cameras near playgrounds, employees' access to video feeds, and unsecured video sharing, alongside its reluctance regarding transparency.
In recent months, numerous cities across the nation, including several in Texas, have terminated their contracts with Flock. Abbott’s Democratic opponent, Gina Hinojosa, has criticized his administration for expanding the camera program. Additionally, Republican Representative Keith Self posted on Instagram stating, “From Flock cameras to kill switches, we will NOT surrender our Fourth Amendment rights to the growing surveillance state.” The online community has even rallied around the destruction of Flock cameras as a shared cause.
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