Section

Privacy

Data protection, surveillance, encryption

Mother Jones

Florida Revokes License Plate Camera Permits Amid Surveillance Concerns

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the revocation of all law enforcement license-plate-recognition camera permits on state highways, with removal expected by the end of September 2026. This decision reflects growing concerns over surveillance practices and follows similar actions in Texas, as more towns cancel contracts with Flock, a major ALPR provider. Experts suggest that stricter regulations on data retention may help address misuse of such technology.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
Ars Technica

US Senator Requests NSA Guidance on VPN Best Practices

A US senator has asked the NSA to provide public guidance on best practices for using VPNs to protect communications from foreign adversaries. The senator's request highlights the limitations of VPNs, including potential vulnerabilities in decrypted traffic and unencrypted metadata.

Bias: 45 Sentiment: +0.00
Fox News — Politics

Senator Josh Hawley Expands Investigation into AI Surveillance Companies

Senator Josh Hawley is expanding his investigation into AI surveillance technologies, adding Motorola Solutions, Verkada, and Axon to his scrutiny over privacy concerns. He has requested information regarding data handling and misuse from these companies, amid a growing national debate on the implications of AI-powered surveillance systems.

Bias: 16 Sentiment: +0.00
Wired

Flock Safety Introduces AI Search Tool for Law Enforcement

Flock Safety has introduced new AI search tools for police, allowing for the identification of individuals on camera beyond just license plates. The technology has faced scrutiny, leading to contract cancellations and concerns over misuse, particularly regarding sensitive searches. In response, Flock has announced changes to enhance data retention policies and auditing processes, although experts question the reliability of the AI system and its implications for privacy and civil liberties.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: -0.20
Hacker News — Front Page

European Commission Proposes Encryption Backdoors in ProtectEU Strategy

The European Commission has introduced the ProtectEU strategy, which may lead to encryption backdoors to enhance law enforcement capabilities. The strategy outlines a vision for improved security measures but lacks specific policy proposals. Critics express concerns about the implications for privacy and security.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10
texastribune.org

Governor Abbott Halts Funding for Flock Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a halt to funding for Flock cameras in Texas, citing growing concerns over privacy and misuse of the AI-powered surveillance devices. The decision follows an investigation revealing significant state funding for the Flock surveillance network, with Abbott emphasizing the need for responsible use of such technology. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the extensive data collection capabilities of Flock cameras.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
Ars Technica

Cities End Contracts with Flock Safety at Increased Rate in August

An advocacy group reports that American localities are increasingly terminating contracts with Flock Safety, with 90 cities and counties ending their relationships in August 2026 alone. Concerns over surveillance practices, data sharing, and costs are driving this trend.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10
Fox News — Latest

Three South Carolina teenagers arrested for vandalizing surveillance camera, causing fire

Three teenagers in South Carolina were arrested for allegedly vandalizing a Flock Safety camera, resulting in an explosion and fire. The incident occurred on August 15, leading to charges of criminal conspiracy and malicious injury to personal property. The event has sparked discussions about surveillance technology and privacy concerns in local communities.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: +0.00
Vox

Senate Republicans Investigate Flock's Data Practices Amid Growing Concerns

Senate Republicans have launched an inquiry into Flock's data collection practices amid bipartisan concerns about privacy and surveillance. The proliferation of Flock cameras, which have created a vast database of vehicle movements, has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with calls for regulation and limitations on their use.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10
Washington Examiner

Nevada Legislators Propose Bill for Oversight of Flock Cameras

Nevada lawmakers are proposing a bill to increase oversight of Flock cameras, which are automatic license plate readers. The bill aims to require agencies to adopt written policies, train users, and undergo independent audits. This initiative follows similar efforts in other states addressing privacy concerns related to the use of such technology.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
TechCrunch

Meta's $18 Billion Settlement Includes Provision on Children's Data

Meta has settled with attorneys general from 29 states, agreeing to pay up to $18 billion and implement child safety measures. A key provision allows states to refrain from suing Meta under child safety laws regarding the use of children's data for training its age-assurance model, which must be developed within a year. The settlement includes monitoring by an independent auditor to ensure compliance.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
Fox News — Latest

Senator Hawley Questions Flock Safety's Surveillance Network Amid Privacy Concerns

Senator Josh Hawley is investigating Flock Safety's network of AI-powered cameras amid rising privacy concerns, as several cities, including Pflugerville, Texas, and Tempe, Arizona, terminate their contracts with the company. Hawley emphasizes the need for transparency regarding data access and calls for judicial oversight on police searches of individuals' movements. The scrutiny comes as communities reassess their relationships with surveillance technology.

Bias: 33 Sentiment: +0.00
Fox News — Politics

Sen. Hawley Questions Flock Safety's Surveillance Network Amid Privacy Concerns

Senator Josh Hawley is investigating Flock Safety's network of AI-powered cameras amid privacy concerns as various cities, including Pflugerville and Tempe, terminate their contracts with the company. Hawley and privacy advocates argue for stronger regulations and warrant requirements for police access to surveillance data, highlighting the need for a balance between public safety and individual privacy rights.

Bias: 33 Sentiment: -0.10
The Hill

Cities terminate contracts with Flock Safety over privacy concerns

Two suburbs in Phoenix, Arizona, have ended their contracts with Flock Safety, a provider of automated license plate readers, amid rising privacy concerns. Tempe, which had an $80,000 contract, announced it would deactivate its Flock cameras.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10
futurism.com

Designer Creates Shirt to Confuse AI Surveillance Systems

Simon Weckert, a German designer, has developed a shirt that aims to confuse AI surveillance systems by using a chaotic blend of colors and patterns. The design is based on the premise that AI systems struggle to identify humans due to their reliance on statistical representations. Weckert previously gained attention for creating fake traffic jams using smartphones.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00
Washington Examiner

Senator Hawley Investigates Flock Safety's Surveillance Practices

Senator Josh Hawley has initiated an investigation into Flock Safety's surveillance practices following concerns about its automatic license plate readers. In a letter to Flock's CEO, Hawley raised issues regarding data collection, privacy, and instances of misuse by law enforcement. He has requested a response from Flock by September 8 regarding its data policies.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.00
Daily Mail

Private Schools Implement Ban on Meta Glasses Due to Privacy Concerns

Private schools in the UK, including Haberdashers' Boys' School and Woodbridge School, have banned Meta glasses due to concerns over privacy and bullying. The glasses, which contain cameras, have faced criticism for their potential to invade privacy. Other institutions, including universities and businesses, have also implemented similar bans.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.00