<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/surveillance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Flock Safety</a> announced on September 23, 2026, that it has implemented stricter rules for searching its database of billions of license plate scans in anticipation of a <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/senate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Senate</a> hearing focused on the adequacy of safeguards surrounding its surveillance network.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During the hearing, <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/josh-hawley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sen. Josh Hawley</a> (R-MO) stated that Flock informed him of changes requiring police officers and other users to provide more specific justifications for searches. Previously, users were only required to give a reason, but the company recognized that the previous free-text system led to vague explanations.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., speaks as Dr. Anthony Fauci appears before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at the Capitol, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)" class="wp-image-4667636" height="683" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AP26210522382189.jpg?w=696" width="1024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hawley noted that Flock had previously lacked significant restrictions on which subscribers could access their databases, the purposes for which images could be used, and the duration for which images were retained. He emphasized that the company’s recent changes highlight ongoing concerns regarding its surveillance practices.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing is examining Flock’s <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/artificial-intelligence/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AI-powered</a> camera network and potential misuse. Notably, Flock's CEO did not attend the hearing, which also included representatives from other surveillance technology companies such as Axon, Motorola, and Verkada.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Flock claims its cameras scan approximately 20 billion license plates each month, with about 120,000 cameras deployed across 49 states. Hawley expressed concerns that this extensive network functions as a private surveillance system with significant reach, capable of logging detailed vehicle information including make, model, color, location, and time. He mentioned that users could track vehicles across jurisdictions and potentially create a comprehensive profile of individuals who have not been implicated in any crimes.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Flock has positioned its technology as essential for public safety while asserting that it is enhancing privacy protections. However, the company’s recent decision to enforce stricter search justifications reflects criticism regarding the previously vague criteria governing access to its extensive vehicle data.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hawley raised concerns about whether customers purchasing cameras and subscriptions could access a database that exceeds their local footage, with insufficient limitations on search permissions and record retention.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The hearing will also address competitors such as Axon, Motorola, and Verkada, and will consider broader implications for constitutional privacy protections in light of a surveillance system designed to monitor the movements of millions of U.S. residents.</p>