Florida and Texas are taking steps to scale back their use of Flock license plate cameras, reflecting a wider shift in how states approach surveillance technology and data privacy.
Florida's Department of Transportation said it will stop using license plate readers on state highways, including Flock systems, and gave agencies 30 days to remove the cameras. The memo pointed to concerns about misuse, privacy, and surveillance practices.
The move follows comments from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who recently described the technology as "out of control."
Texas has also moved in the same direction. Governor Greg Abbott's office ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras after reports of improper use of the system. Local coverage has noted that the decision could affect large deployments in cities such as Dallas.
Flock's network spans roughly 130,000 license plate readers across the United States. The company has faced growing scrutiny as communities and officials question how the technology is used, how data is protected, and whether access controls are strong enough.
The broader debate now centers on how public safety tools can evolve with stronger safeguards, clearer oversight, and more transparent rules. In the future, this could shape a new standard for responsible smart-city technology.
