Texas Gov. Greg Abbott moves to cut state funding for AI-powered Flock cameras amid privacy concerns

By Fox News · Fox News

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to pause funding Thursday for AI-powered Flock cameras, which have come under scrutiny nationwide amid privacy concerns. Abbott's office told Fox News Digital that the state was moving to cut off state-agency funding for the cameras, while noting that most funding for them comes from the federal government. "Almost all Flock cameras in Texas are used by cities, and those cities are increasingly canceling their contracts with Flock," Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement. POWERFUL CRIME-FIGHTING SURVEILLANCE GROWTH SPURS LAWMAKERS TO ISSUE WARNING: 'ORWELLIAN' "To the extent that cities get any funding for those cameras, most of it comes from the federal government," Mahaleris continued. "To the extent any funding comes from Texas agencies, those agencies are clarifying that those funds cannot be used for Flock cameras." Flock Safety is one of the most widely used providers of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Texas. The cameras photograph passing vehicles and record identifying information. Using artificial intelligence, the cameras can detect vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color, as well as features including bumper stickers or dents. Using the information collected, law enforcement agencies can search records across participating camera networks. Supporters of the technology argue the cameras can help authorities quickly locate criminal suspects, stolen vehicles or vehicles connected to crimes. Opponents have raised concerns about privacy and data sharing , as well as the potential misuse of information collected by the cameras. FLOCK SAFETY CAMERAS NEED CONSTITUTIONAL GUARDRAILS BEFORE FURTHER DEPLOYMENT, TENNESSEE MAYOR ARGUES Abbott's move comes as a growing number of Texas cities and counties reconsider their relationships with Flock , citing concerns over data sharing, privacy and the potential for misuse. Earlier this week, the Pflugerville City Council voted unanimou…