Flock Safety responds to Tennessee surveillance bill

1 August 2026.

Flock Safety, operator of one of the nation's largest automated license plate reader systems, issued a statement responding to legislation introduced by Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett. The Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act would restrict how certain federal funds can be used to purchase or contract for automated surveillance systems, including license plate readers. Burchett has characterized the widespread deployment of these readers as raising Fourth Amendment concerns and said his proposal aims to protect privacy while limiting government surveillance capabilities. In its response, Flock Safety stated support for establishing clear regulatory standards governing license plate reader use but argued that any safeguards should preserve law enforcement access to what the company describes as an important public safety tool. The company also called on Congress to focus its attention on other surveillance technologies. The exchange reflects an ongoing debate over the balance between surveillance capabilities and privacy protections in automated law enforcement technology.

Read the original reporting: WTVC.