Bernie Sanders Promises Legislation to Curb Flock Safety AI Cameras
Sanders Targets Flock Safety in Push for Surveillance Reform
Senator Bernie Sanders has pledged to introduce new legislation aimed at restricting the operations of Flock Safety, a company that uses artificial intelligence to monitor vehicles and public spaces.
In a post on X, the Vermont senator warned that unchecked tracking technology could push the United States toward a "surveillance state." He described the situation as a threat to democratic freedoms, stating that the country risks heading toward totalitarianism if action is not taken.
Key Numbers Behind the Surveillance Network
- Flock Safety has installed more than 120,000 AI-powered cameras across the U.S.
- The system scans approximately 20 billion vehicles every month.
- The cameras operate in over 6,000 communities nationwide.
How the Technology Works
Sanders argued that the reach of Flock Safety extends into daily private life. He stated that the cameras log residents dropping children off at school, visiting doctors, or going on dates.
According to the senator, newer models of the AI can combine images of a person and their vehicle with external databases. These databases may contain phone numbers, information about relatives, and court records. This combination allows the system to identify specific individuals and track where they are going.
Bipartisan Backlash Grows
Sanders is not the only politician opposing the technology. A growing bipartisan backlash has emerged against Flock Safety.
Representative Thomas Massie is reportedly planning a bill to cut funding for the surveillance program. Additionally, several cities, including those in Los Angeles and Indiana, have already canceled their contracts with the company.
What Is Confirmed
It is confirmed that Senator Sanders posted his criticism on X and intends to introduce a bill targeting Flock Safety. The figures regarding the number of cameras, vehicles scanned, and communities served are based on Sanders' statements. The backlash from other lawmakers and municipalities is also a matter of record.
Why This Matters
The debate highlights growing concerns in the U.S. about how artificial intelligence is used for mass monitoring. As AI tools become more capable of linking public images with private data, lawmakers are facing pressure to decide where to draw the line between public safety and personal privacy.
