A proposed federal bill aims to restrict how U.S. law enforcement agencies can use automated license plate reader systems, requiring warrants for access to the data collected by such surveillance tools. The legislation, introduced by a Florida Republican, would apply to networked cameras like those operated by Flock Safety, which have faced criticism over privacy concerns. The bill would also tie federal grants to local police departments to their adoption of similar warrant requirements. Critics of the technology argue the measure could help curb widespread surveillance practices.
Greg Steube’s Flafo Act would require federal agencies to obtain warrants before accessing or sharing data from networked license plate readersA Florida Republican has introduced a bill that would bar US federal agencies from using Flock Safety’s licence plate cameras and similar systems without a warrant, amid a nationwide backlash against the surveillance company.Greg Steube’s Facilitating Liberty and Accountability for Flock Observations (Flafo) Act, introduced on Friday, would require a judicial warrant before federal agencies could buy, operate, access or share data with networked licence plate readers. It would also make US Department of Justice grants to local police conditional on their adopting similar rules. Continue reading...
