Multiple lawmakers from the Democratic, Republican, and Independent parties have introduced legislation aimed at restricting federal agencies' access to Flock cameras, citing reporting from 404 Media as a basis for the proposed changes. On October 6, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced the Ban Flock Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and would prevent federal funding to state and local governments that utilize these cameras. The legislation would also allow individuals to sue the federal government for rights violations related to ALPR usage.
Senator Sanders stated, "At a time of growing concern about the unchecked power of artificial intelligence, Flock is eviscerating the very notion of privacy by installing tens of thousands of cameras in communities across America without their consent." He emphasized the need to prevent the emergence of a surveillance state driven by AI technology. Ocasio-Cortez remarked on the implications of AI-powered cameras tracking individuals, asserting that the technology is being weaponized against working people. Senator Merkley expressed concern over the unchecked surveillance capabilities provided by such technology.
The announcement highlighted that Flock has shared information with federal immigration officials, referencing a May 2025 report by 404 Media that detailed local law enforcement's use of Flock for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inquiries. Following this report, Flock implemented changes to its operations, including ceasing certain searches in Illinois, California, and Virginia, and introducing a tool to block unauthorized searches in real-time.
The announcement also noted that law enforcement has utilized Flock data to monitor protests against ICE actions and other demonstrations. Hajar Hammado, a senior policy advisor at Demand Progress, commented that the Ban Flock Act represents a significant step toward addressing the invasive nature of Flock cameras.
In addition, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) proposed the Stop Flock Abuse Act, which would mandate a written approval process for searches, require the deletion of driver data after ten days, and prohibit the integration of facial recognition technology with ALPR networks. Hawley referenced 404 Media's reporting during a recent Senate hearing.
Separately, Representatives Greg Casar and Shontel Brown have inquired with FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the agency's plans for nationwide access to ALPR data, a topic first reported by 404 Media in May. The letter also mentioned a case in Texas where a police officer used Flock to search ALPRs for a woman who had self-administered an abortion.