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◆ Mixed look for MerkleyTechnology / Privacy

'Flock is Eviscerating the Very Notion of Privacy': Sanders and AOC Propose the Ban Flock Act

Merkley is introducing the Ban Flock Act with Sanders in the Senate.

'Flock is Eviscerating the Very Notion of Privacy': Sanders and AOC Propose the Ban Flock Act
Image · Gizmodo

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Outlet credibilityGizmodo71/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 3, 2026
Gizmodo
Oct 3, 2026
tl;dr

Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez proposed the Ban Flock Act, which would restrict federal use of automatic license plate reader data and related funding. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley is also pursuing legislation on Flock, while the article says consideration of the bills may wait until after the midterm elections.

Community verdict

9 VOTES
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Jeff Merkley D · OR · SEN
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People in this story

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Jeff Merkley
D · OR · SEN

Senate sponsor of the Ban Flock Act

PRIMARY SUBJECT

House sponsor of the Ban Flock Act

Ocasio-Cortez's version of this story ↗
Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator proposing the Ban Flock Act

Sanders's version of this story ↗
Amy Klobuchar
D · MN · SEN

Minnesota senator whose seat is the subject of the race

Democratic Senate candidate in Texas

Josh Hawley
R · MO · SEN

Senator proposing separate legislation addressing Flock

Republican Senate candidate in Minnesota

Democratic Senate candidate in Minnesota

Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate in Texas

Part of a bigger story

9 OUTLETS
Sanders, Merkley and Ocasio-Cortez Introduce License Plate Reader Ban Bill

Outlets agree Jeff Merkley joined Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in introducing the Ban Flock Act, which would restrict federal use of automated license plate readers. Left-leaning outlets emphasize privacy and surveillance risks, reported misuse, and the sponsors’ objections to the technology. Center outlets describe the restrictions amid reports of police misuse and congressional scrutiny, with some also including Flock’s response. Right-leaning outlets stress the federal-use and grant limits and place the proposal alongside Republican alternatives.

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