Senator Sanders Proposes Ban on Federal Use of Flock ALPRs
Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the Ban Flock Act to ban federal use of ALPRs like Flock.
Why it matters: The legislation could redefine privacy standards and surveillance limits for government agencies, impacting compliance efforts and government contract counsel.
- The Ban Flock Act was introduced on October 2, 2026, by Senator Bernie Sanders.
- It prohibits federal agencies from using automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and accessing their collected data.
- The bill blocks federal grant funding to state and local governments that continue using ALPR technology.
- Exceptions include toll collection and Congress-approved uses, with data retention capped at 48 hours.
On October 2, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the Ban Flock Act, aiming to prohibit federal agencies from using automated license plate readers (ALPRs), specifically targeting systems like those operated by Flock Safety. This legislation also seeks to prevent federal agencies from accessing data collected by such devices.
Flock Safety is a major player in ALPR technology, operating over 120,000 cameras nationwide and processing more than 20 billion vehicle reads monthly. Senator Sanders criticized the company's expansive surveillance network, noting it "is eviscerating the very notion of privacy by installing tens of thousands of cameras in communities across America without their consent." He further emphasized the risks of creating "a surveillance state where a handful of AI oligarchs profit by giving the government the power to track our every movement."
The Ban Flock Act would also leverage federal grant funding as an enforcement mechanism. State and local governments that continue to deploy ALPR technology would risk losing grants from five federal departments, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. This provision represents an unprecedented step to curb ALPR use beyond federal agencies.
There are limited exceptions to the ban, such as the use of ALPRs for toll collection and any applications explicitly approved by Congress. Additionally, any retained data under these exceptions must be deleted within 48 hours, imposing strict limits on tracking duration.
The bill's introduction coincides with growing public concern about AI-powered surveillance tools and their impacts on civil liberties. However, details regarding the bill's enforcement mechanisms and its legislative timeline remain unclear as it moves through Congress.
By the numbers:
- 120,000 cameras — number of Flock Safety ALPR devices nationwide
- 20 billion reads per month — vehicle data processed by Flock Safety's network
- October 2, 2026 — date Senator Sanders introduced the Ban Flock Act
What's next: The Ban Flock Act will now advance through Congressional committees where debates over surveillance, privacy, and law enforcement technology are expected.