Texas Governor Halts Funding for Flock Security Cameras
The Texas state government has suspended budget support following mounting privacy debates and allegations of abuse concerning AI-powered surveillance cameras.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed all state agencies to halt funding for AI-powered Flock surveillance cameras amid rising scrutiny and privacy concerns regarding their use.
Suspension of Funds
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered a halt to statewide funding for AI-powered Flock cameras. This decision comes at a time when scrutiny of these surveillance devices has intensified.
Millions of Dollars in Investment
It was revealed that a state agency allocated at least $30 million to build Texas's Flock surveillance network by providing grants to local police departments. Governor Abbott confirmed the funding halt through his spokesperson.
Thousands of Cameras Installed
The Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority has helped state and local agencies install at least 3,200 Flock cameras since 2023. These cameras use artificial intelligence to track vehicle characteristics and store data.
Privacy Concerns and Abuse
Governor Abbott highlighted a Lufkin police officer who faced allegations of misusing the cameras for surveillance purposes and was accused of misusing public information. Following these developments, it was reported that some cities and counties have begun canceling their contracts with Flock Safety.