{
  "id": 12387265,
  "title": "Lawmakers Introduce Multiple Laws to Curb Flock After 404 Media Coverage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/lawmakers-introduce-multiple-laws-to-curb-flock-after-404-media",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-06T13:24:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "404 Media",
    "slug": "404-media",
    "url": "https://www.404media.co/lawmakers-introduce-multiple-laws-to-curb-flock-after-404-media-coverage/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lawmakers from various political backgrounds have introduced new bills aimed at limiting federal agencies' access to Flock cameras, following reporting by 404 Media. The Ban Flock Act, proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), would forbid federal bodies from employing automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and block federal funding for states and localities using such cameras. The bill also allows citizens to sue the federal government if their rights are infringed upon by ALPRs. Sanders emphasized the growing concern over AI's unchecked power, stating that Flock is eroding privacy by installing thousands of cameras in communities without consent. Ocasio-Cortez called for an end to the integration of AI-powered cameras, describing their widespread use as unconscionable. Merkley echoed these sentiments, criticizing the unchecked surveillance power of these technologies. Flock has reportedly shared state data with federal immigration officials, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting 404 Media to reveal these practices in May 2025. In response to the 404 Media report, Flock implemented changes, including preventing other agencies from searching cameras in Illinois, California, and Virginia, and introducing a tool to block unauthorized searches. The legislation also addresses concerns raised by 404 Media, such as law enforcement using Flock data to investigate protests against ICE raids and \"No Kings\" demonstrations, as well as Flock providing training to police on surveilling No Kings protesters. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Stop Flock Abuse Act, which requires written approval for searches, mandates the deletion of driver data after ten days (with exceptions for active investigations), and prohibits ALPR networks from incorporating facial recognition technology. During a recent Senate hearing, Hawley cited 404 Media's reporting as evidence of the need for such restrictions. Additionally, Representatives Greg Casar and Shontel Brown wrote to FBI Director Kash Patel, seeking details on how the FBI plans to obtain nationwide access to ALPR data, referencing 404 Media's earlier reporting on this matter.",
  "summary": "Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Ban Flock Act on Friday, which would stop federal agencies from using automatic license plate readers.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}