Surveillance Firm Flock Faces Scrutiny at Senate Hearing It Chose to Skip
Flock's CEO did not appear before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on its 'AI Surveillance Network,' even as lawmakers singled the company out by name.
License-plate recognition company Flock faced pointed criticism in Washington this week, even though its chief executive declined to appear in person at a Senate hearing examining the company's "AI Surveillance Network," according to The Verge.
The Senate Judiciary subcommittee on crime and counterterrorism held the hearing to examine the growing use of AI-powered surveillance technology, with the subcommittee chair noting that while many companies operate in the industry, Flock stands out as a name that draws particular attention.
Flock's automated license-plate readers have been adopted widely by US police departments and other government agencies, drawing scrutiny from privacy advocates and lawmakers concerned about the scale and reach of the data the systems collect.
The company's decision not to send its CEO to face senators directly has added to the criticism, with lawmakers highlighting the absence during the proceedings.
The hearing reflects broader congressional interest in regulating AI-driven surveillance tools as their use by law enforcement continues to expand across the country.
Sources
- The vibes are bad for Flock in Washington — The Verge
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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