Sanders Introduces Bill to Ban Federal Government's Use of Flock

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) introduced legislation on Friday that seeks to prohibit the federal government from using automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems. The bill, titled the "Ban Flock Act," would bar federal agencies from employing ALPR technology or accessing data collected by local police and private companies.

Despite its name, the legislation does not single out Flock but covers all ALPR systems. The intention is to curb widespread surveillance and privacy concerns associated with these technologies.

The proposed law would allow exceptions solely for toll collection and for uses that Congress specifically approves in future legislation, which would require data retention limits of no more than 48 hours.

Furthermore, the bill includes financial penalties for states and local governments that fail to comply. Starting from the first fiscal year after enactment, these entities could lose federal grants from five departments, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.

The legislation faces significant hurdles before potentially becoming law. Flock's system, which scans license plates nationwide, has recently drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates.