Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), serving as chair of the Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, is leading a formal investigation into the practices of Flock Safety. The company provides law enforcement and private entities with a network of AI-powered cameras capable of tracking license plates and vehicle details in real-time. With over 120,000 cameras currently in operation across the United States, the subcommittee is examining how this data is stored, shared, and protected.

The investigation arises from growing concerns regarding the scope of surveillance technology and the potential for misuse of the information gathered. While proponents of the technology argue that these cameras are essential tools for solving crimes and locating missing persons, critics and privacy advocates have raised alarms about the lack of oversight and the potential for a permanent, searchable record of public movement. The subcommittee hearing is expected to scrutinize the company’s data retention policies and the extent to which private data is accessible to government agencies without warrants.

Flock Safety has maintained that its technology is designed to assist law enforcement in specific investigations rather than facilitate mass surveillance. However, the Senate inquiry seeks to determine if the current regulatory framework is sufficient to prevent privacy violations. As the hearing proceeds, the subcommittee will weigh the benefits of increased public safety against the constitutional implications of widespread, automated tracking.