From Newsweek · · 1m 10s
Texas freezes Flock cameras
Texas stops new Flock license plate cameras after privacy concerns.
In brief
Texas stops new Flock license plate cameras after privacy concerns. Texas governor orders halt to new Flock cameras to address privacy concerns. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Texas suspends Flock permits
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the state's transportation department to stop issuing new permits for Flock cameras and other license plate readers along state roads.
TxDOT suspends approvals
The Texas Department of Transportation said it had suspended issuing approvals for Flock cameras or similar devices installed by third parties along state-owned roadways.
TxDOT data access
TxDOT does not have access to data collected from license plate readers, which are placed at law enforcement's request.
Privacy concerns grow
Opponents raised privacy concerns and fears that Flock cameras could be abused by police officers, while police and supporters argued they help solve crimes and boost security.
Texas ALPR count
Over 13,500 license plate readers are active in 218 of Texas' 254 counties, with Harris County having 3,546 cameras.
Abbott's previous action
In late August, Abbott ordered all Texas agencies to pause state funding for Flock cameras, citing concerns about Fourth Amendment rights and privacy.
What it means
Texas governor orders halt to new Flock cameras to address privacy concerns.
