Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump said Sunday that he supports Flock Safety’s automated license plate-reading cameras, acknowledging privacy concerns while emphasizing their usefulness to law enforcement.
Asked about the technology aboard Air Force One while returning from Ireland, Trump said, “I sort of like ’em because of that, because of law enforcement.” After a reporter noted the cameras help catch criminals, Trump added, “But I like them.”
Flock operates more than 120,000 cameras nationwide that photograph license plates and vehicle characteristics, allowing police to search for vehicles connected to crimes, missing persons and other investigations. The expanding network has also generated bipartisan criticism over mass surveillance, data sharing and improper searches.
Public opinion is divided. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found 47% of Americans opposed their community using Flock cameras, while 38% supported them. Republicans were more supportive, while younger adults showed particularly strong skepticism.
Florida recently halted new license-plate reader installations on state highways, while Texas suspended funding for the technology. Meanwhile, lawmakers from both parties have proposed restrictions, ranging from tighter controls on federal funding to broader bans.
Flock CEO Garrett Langley has defended the technology while supporting stronger rules governing data retention and misuse. Civil-liberties groups including the ACLU argue the company’s proposed safeguards do not adequately address the potential for tracking people’s movements.
Sources
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