Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has broadened his inquiry into the privacy implications of AI-backed surveillance technology, notifying three additional companies—Motorola Solutions Inc., Verkada Inc., and Axon Enterprise Inc.—about his concerns regarding their camera networks and data handling practices. This expansion follows Hawley's ongoing investigation into Flock Safety cameras.
In letters sent on Wednesday, Hawley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, expressed worries that these companies, like Flock Safety, are constructing extensive camera networks that, aided by artificial intelligence, could infringe upon the privacy of individuals. Hawley specifically cited the potential for these systems to track the movements of Americans, stating that citizens do not forfeit their privacy rights when commuting, taking children to school, or attending religious services.
Hawley has requested detailed information from each company regarding the scope of vehicle data searches permitted for customers, the duration of license plate information retention, the number of confirmed misuse cases since 2021, and the existing safeguards to ensure law enforcement officers have legitimate reasons for conducting searches.
Flock Safety cameras utilize artificial intelligence to identify and track vehicles and their license plates, providing data for law enforcement. The growing network, with approximately 150,000 cameras operating in all states except Alaska, has raised nationwide questions about whether tracking vehicle movements without a warrant or driver consent is appropriate.
This investigation by Hawley comes amid broader political actions targeting AI-powered cameras. For instance, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the removal of license plate reader cameras from state roads, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies to cease using state funds for Flock Safety cameras.
Flock Safety has stated that the company intends to cooperate with the investigation and provide Senator Hawley's subcommittee with additional context about its technology, safeguards, and law enforcement usage. Axon also indicated its willingness to discuss Hawley's requests and demonstrate its commitment to responsible innovation.
The debate over these surveillance technologies has also highlighted an unusual alignment between conservative lawmakers focused on privacy and government overreach, and some far-left activists who link the cameras to broader concerns about artificial intelligence, policing, and immigration enforcement.