MIAMI — New questions are being raised about controversial Flock cameras in Florida, with critics warning the technology could go too far.
Flock is a brand of license plate reader. But unlike license plate readers that simply take pictures of cars and their license plates, Flock cameras can use artificial intelligence to record and track vehicles.
The details are stored in a searchable database.
Supporters say the technology can help track bad guys, notably the suspect in the Brown University shooting last year.
In Volusia County, the cameras were also used to track someone fleeing from police after allegedly attempting to carjack someone by force.
But critics say there is room for misuse.
They point to arrests of police officers accused of using the cameras to stalk exes, as well as broader privacy concerns.
“If you’re looking for a specific license plate related to a crime, you would make a match,” said Juliette Kayyem, a national security analyst. “Instead, deployed to 7,000 police departments with no training, no guidance.”
The cameras are now used across 49 states.
There are reportedly 120,000 Flock cameras, including more than 7,500 in Florida alone.
The debate has now entered the governor’s race, where both sides have issues with the technology.
Democrat David Jolly says he wants to call a special session to address concerns, saying reforms or outright elimination should be considered.
Republican Byron Donalds touts his support from law enforcement, which uses the technology, but supports criminal penalties if it is used for spying.
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