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◆ Mixed look for MerkleyTechnology / Privacy

Progressives unveil legislation cracking down on Flock cameras

Merkley joined Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez in introducing legislation to restrict federal use of automatic license plate readers.

Progressives unveil legislation cracking down on Flock cameras
Image · The Hill

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Outlet credibilityThe Hill78/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 3, 2026
The Hill
Oct 2, 2026
tl;dr

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. Flock says it supports safeguards for the technology while preserving its law-enforcement use.

Community verdict

20 VOTES
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Jeff Merkley D · OR · SEN
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Jeff Merkley
D · OR · SEN

Senator and co-introducer of the Ban Flock Act

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Representative and co-introducer of the Ban Flock Act

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

Senator and co-introducer of the Ban Flock Act

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

Representative who introduced the Flock-Off Act

Josh Hawley
R · MO · SEN

Senator who led a congressional hearing on surveillance camera manufacturers

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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