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◆ Mixed look for Ocasio-CortezCriminal JusticeTechnology / Privacy

Senators Propose Ban on Federal Use of License Plate Readers

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley in proposing restrictions on federal use of license plate readers.

Senators Propose Ban on Federal Use of License Plate Readers
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This article1 analysis · Oct 3, 2026
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Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Ban Flock Act, which would restrict federal use of automatic license plate readers and limit grants to local governments that use them. The sponsors say the technology threatens privacy; a separate proposal by Thomas Massie would restrict local purchases.

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Sponsor of the Ban Flock Act

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Jeff Merkley
D · OR · SEN

Sponsor of the Ban Flock Act

Merkley's version of this story ↗
Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Sponsor of the Ban Flock Act

Sanders's version of this story ↗
Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Sponsor of a separate Republican proposal on license plate readers

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Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders and Merkley Introduce Ban Flock Act

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley introduced the Ban Flock Act, which would restrict federal use of license-plate reader cameras and related funding. Left-leaning outlets foreground privacy and surveillance risks, drawing on the sponsors’ criticism. Center outlets mostly explain the bill’s provisions and place it amid scrutiny, with some including company responses or other lawmakers’ proposals. Right-leaning outlets emphasize the proposed limits on federal use and funding, with some contrasting other lawmakers’ approaches.

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