Senator Sanders to Propose Bill Targeting AI Surveillance Firm Flock Safety

Senator Bernie Sanders declared his intention to sponsor legislation that would restrict the deployment of AI-powered surveillance cameras manufactured by Flock Safety. He argued that the system, which records passing cars and applies algorithms to add make, model and license-plate details, can also associate individuals with their vehicles and personal records, raising concerns about a surveillance state. Flock, supported by investors including Marc Andreessen and Peter Thiel, reports installations in over 6,000 U.S. communities, amounting to more than 120,000 cameras.

The ACLU has highlighted a 10 % error rate in the system’s state-identification of plates, and reports indicate law-enforcement bodies such as ICE and Border Patrol use the data for tracking and arrests. In response, Senate Judiciary Subcommittee chair Josh Hawley has opened an investigation into Flock’s data-collection practices. Sanders’ proposed bill seeks to halt what he calls “AI mass surveillance” by companies like Flock.