A group of Connecticut lawmakers is sharing their concerns over license plate reader surveillance cameras and seeking to pause any new cameras being installed until the end of the 2027 legislative session, officials said.
Members of the state’s artificial intelligence caucus said they are seeking to pause the controversial license plate readers called “Flock cameras” citing potential misuse of the information collected by the cameras and the invasion of privacy they can cause.
Flock cameras, manufactured by Flock Safety, are automated license plate reading and public safety surveillance systems installed across more than 10,000 communities and 6,000 jurisdictions nationwide and used by law enforcement, businesses and HOAs, according to the company that manufacturers them. They capture vehicle license plates, make, model, color, and unique vehicle details like bumper stickers or damage, logging them into a searchable cloud database.
“There is real public concern about the potential misuse of this technology, and we have a responsibility to address those concerns,” said State Rep. Hubert Delany, D-Stamford. “That is why we are calling for a pause in the use and further installation of Flock cameras. Connecticut has passed strong data privacy protections, but when new concerns emerge, we must be willing to strengthen those protections. A pause will allow us to make sure this technology is being used as intended and that there are clear, practical rules governing how we organize, monitor, and use this technology.”
The cameras have caused a lot of debate on social media. Supporters say the devices help police investigate crimes. But opponents say they violate privacy and other civil rights — and that there’s no way of knowing if the information is being misused.
“This is invasive technology, and people are right to be concerned about it,” said Sen. James Maroney, D-Milford. “We’ve led the country in protecting people’s privacy, and we’re not going to stop now. When we see towns rejecting these cameras and questioning whether they need this kind of surveillance at all, that tells us the public is ahead of the law. We intend to keep it that way by strengthening these protections in 2027.”
Towns such as Windsor have deactivated their already-installed cameras. Other towns, such as Milford, are considering a moratorium on the use of the cameras.
“In the midst of serious privacy concerns to the extent Flock itself is changing policies, we need to be sure this technology is being used in a way that benefits our communities,” said Sen. Saud Anwar, D-South Windsor. “Concerning reports indicate Flock data can and has been misused. Out of a sense of protecting privacy for many Connecticut residents, this moratorium is sorely needed.”
“Flock cameras are an invasive form of surveillance that raises serious questions about privacy, data sharing, and government overreach, said State Rep. Henry Genga, D-East Hartford. “Public safety should never come at the expense of our fundamental right to privacy, and people should not have to wonder whether their movements are being recorded, stored, and searched simply because they are driving through their own community.”
State Rep. Moira Rader, D-Guilford/Branford, said “As policymakers, our job is to find that balance and make sure technology is being used responsibly and with appropriate safeguards.”
How the data is used, how long it is stored and with whom it is shared are chief concerns regarding the cameras.
“I support technology that helps law enforcement keep our communities safe while protecting the constitutional rights and privacy of the people they serve. I see the public-safety value of these cameras, but I have concerns about federal data sharing, storage beyond 48 hours, and misuse,” said State Rep. Anthony Nolan, D-New London.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced last week that he is requesting the Connecticut Police Officers Standards and Training Council review the increased use of safety cameras and automated license plate reader technology. He also said he requests that the council, within 30 days, develop guidance for local and state police departments that outline privacy provisions.
While this process is underway, the governor said he is urging towns across Connecticut to immediately pause the installation of any new Flock cameras.
Republican Sens. Stephen Harding, Tony Hwang and Jeff Gordon have also called for a moratorium on the cameras.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com