Senator Hawley expands probe to three AI camera firms over privacy concerns

Senator Josh Hawley, leading the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on crime and counterterrorism, broadened his inquiry into AI-driven surveillance by mailing formal requests to Motorola Solutions Inc., Verkada Inc. and Axon Enterprise Inc. The letters ask each firm to explain the scope of vehicle-data searches, how long license-plate information is stored, the number of confirmed misuse incidents since 2021, and what checks ensure law-enforcement officers have valid reasons before accessing the data.

Hawley’s scrutiny follows earlier correspondence with Flock Safety, whose network of roughly 150,000 AI cameras operates in every state except Alaska and has drawn criticism from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Axon and Flock Safety have indicated willingness to engage with the senator’s office. The investigation highlights bipartisan concerns over warrantless tracking and the broader debate linking surveillance technology to data-center expansion and civil-rights activism.