Summary
- Senator Bernie Sanders announced on X that he plans to introduce legislation aimed at Flock Safety, stating "STOP FLOCK. STOP AI MASS SURVEILLANCE" and warning that unregulated tracking technology could lead the nation towards totalitarianism.
- He highlighted that Flock has deployed over 120,000 AI cameras that monitor 20 billion vehicles each month across more than 6,000 communities, noting that advanced models can cross-reference images with databases of personal information.
- Sanders' move aligns with a growing bipartisan opposition, which includes Representative Thomas Massie's proposed bill to cut funding and various local governments halting contracts from Los Angeles to Indiana.
Senator Bernie Sanders is targeting Flock Safety by pledging to introduce legislation that addresses the surveillance-camera company's practices, expressing concerns that artificial intelligence is contributing to a "surveillance state."
In a detailed post on X this Wednesday, the Vermont independent began with the call to action, "STOP FLOCK. STOP AI MASS SURVEILLANCE," warning that without regulation, tracking technologies could push the U.S. towards a totalitarian regime.
Myriad: When will OpenAI release GPT-6? Click to make your prediction.Sanders noted that Flock, which he claims is supported by tech entrepreneurs Marc Andreessen and Peter Thiel, has installed more than 120,000 AI-enabled cameras that scan and log 20 billion vehicles monthly in over 6,000 communities nationwide.
He elaborated on the implications of this technology, explaining that Flock's cameras capture everyday activities, from parents dropping children at school to individuals visiting doctors or going on dates. He also pointed out that Flock's AI capabilities allow it to connect images of individuals and their vehicles with databases that include phone numbers, family connections, and court records for identification purposes. He concluded by vowing to propose a bill to regulate this technology.
STOP FLOCK. STOP AI MASS SURVEILLANCE.
Totalitarianism occurs when a government or a powerful entity seeks to control every aspect of our lives. I am deeply concerned that if we do not act decisively, we may be heading in that direction…
— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 26, 2026
This commitment adds a significant voice to the increasing bipartisan backlash against Flock's automated license plate readers, which has already gained attention on Capitol Hill. Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky has proposed legislation to restrict federal funding for agencies using these cameras. Various local governments, from Los Angeles to Monroe County in Indiana, have either suspended or canceled contracts due to privacy issues, while activists across numerous states have vandalized or disabled the equipment.
Founded in 2017 in Atlanta, Flock asserts that its cameras do not utilize facial recognition technology and typically store footage for a period of 30 days. CEO Garrett Langley has contended that objections often diminish once people understand that the technology primarily captures images of vehicles, and he recently apologized for previously labeling anti-Flock activists as a "terroristic organization."
In a recent interview with FOX News, Langley urged Americans to compromise on their privacy, suggesting that citizens should prioritize safety over surveillance concerns.
Over the past year, Flock has aggressively expanded its presence, implementing a nationwide plate-scanning initiative involving Uber drivers and developing a police tool for monitoring drivers.
Sanders has not provided a timeline for when he will introduce the proposed legislation.