Rhode Island Pauses Flock Camera Installations Amid Privacy Concerns

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee initiated a statewide pause on the installation and activation of new automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, including those manufactured by Flock, on Tuesday. This moratorium, set to last for 60 days, prohibits the state police from installing any new cameras and strongly urges municipalities to adopt a similar stance. The decision stems from escalating controversies surrounding the technology, which has raised significant privacy concerns related to nationwide mass surveillance and potential data misuse by law enforcement agencies. Homeowner groups and some real estate professionals have also expressed apprehension about the continuous tracking and recording of neighborhood movements by these devices. Governor McKee has directed a comprehensive review of the technology and its current usage across the state, with the objective of establishing uniform statewide standards for its deployment and the management of collected data. During this review period, the Rhode Island State Police will be permitted to continue operating existing cameras but will not be allowed to install any new ones. Governor McKee emphasized that public safety and personal privacy are not mutually exclusive objectives, stating, "Rhode Island needs clear and consistent rules of the road for this technology." He further articulated the administration's intent to "pause further expansion, examine how these systems are being used across the state, and put strong, uniform safeguards in place to protect both public safety and personal privacy." The formulation of new guidelines will involve collaboration between the state's Department of Public Safety, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and other relevant entities. In response to the growing controversy earlier this month, Flock issued a statement to Realtor.com asserting that "any misuse is unacceptable and responsible technology should help bring it to light." The company further stated that when used appropriately, its public safety technology aids in solving serious crimes and protecting communities, and that its "Audit Assistance helps expose" instances of misuse. The ultimate aim of this initiative is to advance new legislation that balances the benefits of surveillance technology with robust privacy protections for Rhode Island residents.