Texas Blocks Funding for Flock AI Surveillance Cameras

Texas Governor Abbott froze state funding for Flock AI surveillance cameras amid growing backlash.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has frozen state spending on Flock AI surveillance cameras. This decision follows increasing criticism of the cameras and comes just before a Texas Tribune investigation was published, revealing the state had spent over $30 million on these devices. The funds were primarily raised through a $1 fee added to insurance policies, reportedly to combat catalytic converter theft.

The Flock cameras have faced bipartisan backlash due to privacy concerns. There have been multiple instances of officers being placed on leave or criminally charged for misusing Flock systems, with at least six cases occurring in Texas alone. The company has also drawn scrutiny for its data-sharing practices, camera placement near playgrounds, employee access to video feeds, unsecured video feeds, and attempts to avoid transparency. Cities nationwide, including many in Texas, have recently canceled contracts with Flock.

This move by Governor Abbott highlights growing political opposition to AI surveillance. Both his Democratic opponent, Gina Hinojosa, and Republican representative Keith Self have voiced criticism regarding the expansion and implications of these cameras, with Self specifically citing Fourth Amendment concerns. The internet has also seen a unifying trend of cheering on the destruction of Flock cameras.

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