Representative Thomas Massie (R‑Ky.) introduced the “Flock‑Off Act” on Thursday, a legislative proposal that would prohibit the use of federal dollars to acquire, install, maintain, operate or upgrade automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) systems and biometric surveillance cameras by state and local governments. The bill targets the growing reliance on these technologies by municipal police departments, arguing that they pose privacy risks and expand government surveillance without adequate oversight. Massie’s measure would effectively shut down federal funding for any new or upgraded ALPR or facial‑recognition equipment, forcing local agencies to rely on alternative, non‑federal resources if they wish to continue using such tools. The proposal arrives amid a broader national debate over the balance between public safety benefits and civil‑liberties concerns surrounding high‑tech policing methods.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) unveiled a bill Thursday aimed at restricting the use of federal funds for automated license plate reader cameras (ALPRs) and biometric surveillance cameras. The Flock-Off Act would block any attempt to purchase, install, maintain, operate or upgrade ALPRs and biometric surveillance cameras for municipalities and local law enforcement. Despite being in...
