Tlaib Introduces Bill to Halt Federal Support for Automated Surveillance

Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, has proposed the Get the Flock Out of Our Communities Act. This bill aims to ban the use of federal funds for supporting automated surveillance technologies such as automatic license plate readers and facial recognition systems.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The plan extends beyond stopping new purchases. Systems funded federally would need removal within 30 days of the bill’s passage. Certain surveillance data would require permanent deletion within seven days. The legislation has arrived amid heightened scrutiny of Flock Safety and similar systems regarding privacy concerns and data misuse. Supporters view these cameras as valuable crime-fighting tools.

Significance of the Legislation

Automated license plate readers have become vital tools for law enforcement across the nation. This has sparked debate over whether they offer more investigative value than the privacy issues implicated by tracking vehicle movements. Congressional debate has intensified with various proposals to limit or regulate this technology.

Details of Tlaib’s Proposal

Accompanying Tlaib in introducing the bill are Representatives Sylvia Garcia, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, Delia Ramirez, Nydia Velázquez, and Bonnie Watson Coleman. The proposal has been sent to the House committees on Oversight and Government Reform and the Judiciary.

“Automated mass surveillance systems” are defined broadly in the legislation as technology that collects, processes, analyzes, generates, retains, uses, or stores large-scale data. Federal money would no longer be available to buy, install, maintain, access, lease, or operate such technology. This includes license plate readers, biometric surveillance, and facial recognition systems.

Federal agencies are prohibited from acquiring or using such systems or their data. Tlaib expressed concerns over freedom of speech suppression and privacy invasions. She emphasized the misuse potential of the technology.

Implementation Details

Existing equipment purchased or operated with federal funding must be removed within 30 days post-enactment. Prohibited data would be erased within seven days, and any data obtained illegally cannot be used in court proceedings.

Additionally, certain grants necessitate state and local governments to certify non-usage of automated surveillance technology. Byrne and COPS grants require recipients to prove they do not use or operate prohibited technologies.

Controversy Around Flock Cameras

Flock Safety’s cameras photograph vehicles and store data to assist investigations, primarily for vehicle recovery and crime analysis. However, issues have arisen regarding data access and abuse potential. Reports highlight cities and counties discontinuing camera use, and there are concerns about personal misuse by officers.

Flock Safety has acknowledged past pilot projects with federal agencies but claims these have ended. The company supports legislation to enhance privacy and accountability while permitting lawful use.

Other Legislative Efforts

Tlaib’s bill is part of a larger legislative movement. Republican Representative Thomas Massie proposed the Flock-Off Act to block federal spending on such systems. Representative Greg Steube proposed the Facilitating Liberty and Accountability for Flock Observations Act, addressing the large-scale collection concerns. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Ban Flock Act, limiting federal use without explicit authorization.

These proposals signify bipartisan concerns over surveillance systems, even though opinions differ on the extent of federal restrictions needed.

Future Steps

The Get the Flock Out of Our Communities Act remains at the introductory stage. It requires advancement through Congress and signing by the President to come into effect.