Texas Governor Greg Abbott Pauses Funding for AI-Powered Flock Cameras Over Privacy Issues

<p>Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to pause funding on August 29, 2026, for AI-powered Flock cameras, which have faced scrutiny nationwide due to privacy concerns.</p><p>Abbott's office stated that the state is moving to cut off funding for the cameras from state agencies, while noting that most funding originates from the federal government.</p><p>"Almost all Flock cameras in Texas are used by cities, and those cities are increasingly canceling their contracts with Flock," said Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris in a statement.</p><p>"To the extent that cities get any funding for those cameras, most of it comes from the federal government," Mahaleris continued. "To the extent any funding comes from Texas agencies, those agencies are clarifying that those funds cannot be used for Flock cameras."</p><p>Flock Safety is one of the most widely used providers of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Texas. The cameras photograph passing vehicles and record identifying information. Using artificial intelligence, the cameras can detect vehicle characteristics such as make, model, and color, as well as features including bumper stickers or dents.</p><p>Law enforcement agencies can use the information collected to search records across participating camera networks.</p><p>Supporters of the technology argue that the cameras can help authorities quickly locate criminal suspects, stolen vehicles, or vehicles connected to crimes. Opponents have raised concerns about privacy and data sharing, as well as the potential misuse of information collected by the cameras.</p><p>Abbott's decision comes as a growing number of Texas cities and counties reconsider their relationships with Flock, citing concerns over data sharing, privacy, and the potential for misuse.</p><p>Earlier this week, the Pflugerville City Council voted unanimously to end the city's agreement with Flock, eliminating all 28 camera readers covered by the contract and disabling access to the system, according to the city.</p><p>In Hood County, the Commissioners Court also voted to end its relationship with Flock and later unanimously directed that the county's three cameras be disconnected and covered until they can be removed.</p><p>Abbott mentioned in a radio interview that cities and counties have begun canceling contracts with Flock Safety amid pressure from residents, according to the Texas Tribune.</p><p>In a statement to Fox News Digital, Flock Safety spokesperson Paris Lewbel defended the technology as an important public safety tool. "Flock’s technology is an important public safety tool for law enforcement agencies across Texas, helping officers solve serious crimes, find missing people, recover stolen vehicles, and support safer communities," Lewbel said.</p><p>"We support thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency, and accountability guardrails that ensure technology is used responsibly while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use effective tools to keep people safe," Lewbel continued.</p><p>The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, a Texas state agency created to combat vehicle theft, burglaries, and fraud-related motor vehicle crimes, helped state and local agencies install more than 3,000 Flock cameras since 2023, according to the Tribune.</p><p>State grants for the cameras stemmed from a 2023 law that added $1 to vehicle insurance policies across Texas to combat rampant catalytic converter theft. Prior to the law, there had been no discussion in the state Legislature about using the money for Flock cameras, the outlet reported.</p><p>Earlier this month, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a Republican, penned an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle urging Abbott to halt new surveillance-technology purchases.</p><p>Scrutiny of Flock's technology has also extended beyond Texas. On Capitol Hill, Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is demanding answers from Flock Safety. "Flock has assembled an unprecedented national surveillance network," Hawley previously told Fox News Digital. "They boast more than 120,000 cameras across 49 states and more than 20 billion vehicle scans every month."</p><p>Hawley stated he is investigating the company to determine who has access to data collected on hundreds of millions of vehicles.</p>