Senator Josh Hawley Launches Investigation into Flock Safety Surveillance Network Amid Growing Privacy Concerns
Senator Josh Hawley has launched a formal investigation into the data collection and dissemination practices of Flock Safety, the company providing a nationwide network of AI-powered license-plate readers. The investigation, led by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, seeks to determine what safeguards are in place to protect American privacy as the company's 120,000 cameras capture over 20 billion vehicle scans monthly. Senator Josh Hawley highlighted several instances of data misuse, including a Missouri police department terminating its contract after a civilian employee used the system for personal reasons, and a Milwaukee officer who allegedly searched his girlfriend's license plate 124 times. The investigation aims to clarify who has access to personal data and how it is stored or sold. In response to the backlash, Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley has defended the technology as a vital tool for public safety, while also announcing new audit tools and a shortened data retention window to improve accountability and reduce unauthorized use.