Sen. Josh Hawley introduces bill aimed at stopping abuse of Flock cameras and similar AI technology

September 30, 2026 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

Sen. Josh Hawley is unveiling legislation Wednesday to establish guardrails for Flock cameras and other artificial intelligence-powered surveillance technology, CBS News has learned.

The bill, dubbed the Stop Flock Abuse Act, would regulate automated license plate readers (ALPR) by imposing stricter limits on data, security and search functions. The cameras, which have become a popular tool among local governments, businesses and law enforcement, can record a vehicle's make, model and color but have come under increasing scrutiny over security and privacy concerns.

"AI-powered cameras produced by Flock and its competitors are tracking and creating digital footprints of everyday Americans — a nightmare for individual liberties unless Congress enacts meaningful rules and accountability," Hawley, a Missouri Republican, said in a statement to CBS News. "That's why I'm introducing the STOP Flock Abuse Act to establish basic safeguards for AI-powered cameras and protect Americans' fundamental constitutional rights. Law-abiding Americans should not be treated like criminals."

CBS News has learned the legislation would restrict local governments from selling or sharing any vehicle data the cameras collect, and agencies would be required to permanently delete driver data within 10 days unless a criminal investigation…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/