Texas Halts Funding for Flock Surveillance Amid Privacy Concerns
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered a stop to state funding for Flock Safety’s AI-powered cameras.
- At least $30 million was allocated to build Texas’s Flock network through grants to local police.
- The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority helped install over 3,200 cameras since 2023.
- Abbott cited misuse cases, including a Lufkin officer facing charges for allegedly surveilling individuals.
- Senator Bernie Sanders plans federal legislation against AI mass surveillance.
Governor Abbott’s directive comes amid growing bipartisan opposition and privacy concerns over Flock Safety’s expansive camera network, which logs vehicle details using AI technology. The backlash has reached Capitol Hill, with lawmakers alarmed by the scale of data captured.
The halt in funding follows reports of misuse and lack of oversight, intensifying scrutiny on Flock Safety as contract cancellations spread across Texas cities. Source
