Flock Cameras Face Growing Resistance at the Ballot Box

Voters in three US communities challenged or tightened rules on automated number plate recognition cameras, reflecting growing concern about government surveillance and residents’ control over monitoring. York, Maine, approved an immediate ban on the technology, while voters in League City, Texas, rejected an advisory measure backing its use.

York’s four Flock cameras had been covered since September amid concerns about privacy and data security; a US legal group has recorded 300 alleged cases of police misuse of number plate readers. League City’s proposal covered 84 cameras, though its vote was non-binding, and the mayor said they would be covered or disabled within 72 hours of certification. In Pflugerville, Texas, voters approved a charter amendment requiring safeguards for surveillance data and technology.