Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted state spending on Flock’s AI surveillance cameras amid mounting criticism of the technology. The decision arrived shortly before the publication of an investigation revealing that the state had spent more than £22 million on the camera systems.
That funding was raised largely by adding a fee of roughly 80p to insurance policies, a charge that was intended to help combat catalytic converter theft. The freeze marks a significant shift for a state that had been expanding its use of the surveillance network.
Privacy Concerns Draw Criticism Across the Political Spectrum
Flock cameras have increasingly attracted opposition from across the political divide as they have become the focus of privacy concerns. There have been multiple incidents in which officers were placed on leave or criminally charged for misusing the systems, including at least six cases in Texas alone.
The company has also faced scrutiny over its data-sharing practices, the placement of some cameras near playgrounds, and its own employees’ access to video feeds. Additional concerns have centred on unsecured video feeds and the company’s approach to transparency.
Cities Cancel Contracts as Opposition Grows
In recent months, cities across the country have been cancelling their contracts with Flock, including many in Texas. The trend reflects wider public unease with the spread of automated surveillance infrastructure.
Abbott’s Democratic opponent in the race for governor, Gina Hinojosa, has criticised him for expanding the use of the cameras in the state. Republican representative Keith Self also posted on Instagram that “From Flock cameras to kill switches, we will NOT surrender our Fourth Amendment rights to the growing surveillance state.”
Opposition to the technology has become a shared theme online, with the destruction of Flock cameras drawing attention across social media. The Texas investigation that preceded Abbott’s decision documented total state spending of more than £22 million on the camera network.
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