The Senate Judiciary crime and counterterrorism subcommittee held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the implications of "AI Surveillance Networks," with significant focus placed on Flock Safety and its automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology.
PolicySecurityFlock SafetyUnited States Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism
US Senate Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Flock Safety and AI Surveillance Risks
While CEOs from Flock Safety, Axon, Motorola Solutions, and Verkada declined to testify, the hearing featured testimony from cybersecurity experts, legal professionals, and affected individuals. One witness reported being jailed for 13 days after being incorrectly identified by Flock cameras, while a sheriff described ending a contract following unclear answers regarding AI usage.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed unease regarding the data collection capabilities of ALPRs. Concerns were raised about the security of stored location data, the ease of access for law enforcement officers, and potential loopholes that could allow federal immigration authorities or other agencies to access data without clear legal restrictions. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) noted that the technology allows for the tracking of individuals, including gun owners and those seeking reproductive healthcare, through pervasive camera networks.
In response to recent third-party reports regarding security, Flock Safety stated it had resolved a limited configuration issue affecting a small number of Condor video devices. The company clarified that a temporary debug interface was accessible on the internet but claimed it did not allow for camera control or unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Sources
- The vibes are bad for Flock in Washington （The Verge AI, 2026-09-24）
- Flock Safety