{
  "id": 5796943,
  "title": "Map Shows Cities Rejecting Flock Cameras as Number Surges",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/map-shows-cities-rejecting-flock-cameras-as-number-surges",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-05T16:06:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-cities-rejecting-flock-cameras-as-number-surges-12408792"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Over 150 U.S. communities have recently rejected, canceled, or deactivated automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, according to anti-surveillance project DeFlock. This represents a significant increase in just a few weeks, with the tracker listing 153 communities as \"recent victories\" in their campaigns against the technology. When Newsweek reported on the tracker in July, the total stood at 95. DeFlock is an open-source project mapping ALPRs across the country, and the surge in opposition follows mounting concerns about the systems' data collection practices.\n\nALPRs, produced by Atlanta-based Flock Safety, are used by law enforcement to help identify vehicles linked to crimes and investigations. Opponents have raised concerns about the scale of data collection, while proponents argue that the systems are an effective tool for crime investigation and suspect identification. Flock Safety has refuted claims that its expanding network of ALPRs contributes to a surveillance state, stating that their end goal is to create a safer environment for everyone.\n\nRecent examples of cities rejecting ALPRs include Lynchburg, Virginia, where the City Council voted 6-1 to end its Flock contract on Thursday, canceling 15 license plate-reading cameras and 55 gunshot-detection devices. Several Virginia sheriff's offices also took action in late August and early September, suspending or terminating their systems. Texas saw Wylie's City Council unanimously vote not to renew its Flock contract in August, citing concerns about data storage and sharing. Asheville, North Carolina, voted 5-2 to end a contract covering 11 Flock cameras, while Blue Ridge Public Radio reported that the city's council did not prohibit the use of other license plate readers supplied by Axon, another company.\n\nThe issue of ALPRs has gained traction in the 2026 midterm elections, with candidates from both major parties advocating for bans, funding restrictions, or warrant requirements. Candidates for governor in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have sought limits, while a Michigan congressional candidate described the cameras as \"un-American,\" and a Florida Senate candidate offered campaign merchandise opposing them. Republican Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Eric Burlison of Missouri introduced the \"Flock-Off Act\" on September 2, which would prevent federal funding for Flock cameras and require federally funded systems to be removed, giving state and local recipients 180 days to stop operating federally financed devices.",
  "summary": "DeFlock’s tracker lists 153 communities as “recent victories” in campaigns against automated license plate readers, or ALPRs.",
  "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."
}