1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the expanding surveillance capabilities of Flock's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology and its potential impact on New Yorkers' privacy rights. Recent reports reveal that Flock is building a nationwide mass-surveillance infrastructure that goes far beyond simple driver tracking, raising serious constitutional concerns. Of particular alarm is the use of Flock's data by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration enforcement. This practice undermines trust in local law enforcement and violates the principles of sanctuary policies that many New York communities have adopted. We must ensure that our state does not share any data with federal immigration officials through this system. Furthermore, the potential for misuse of this technology is evident. In Texas, a police officer used the system to search for a woman who had a self-administered abortion, demonstrating how easily this technology can be weaponized against vulnerable individuals. To prevent such abuses in New York, we need strict procedures governing police access to and use of this system. Flock's plans to integrate with commercial data brokers, expand to video surveillance, and implement AI-powered searches for detailed vehicle and occupant descriptions represent a dangerous escalation of surveillance capabilities. These developments, combined with their new "Business Network" allowing private companies to share data and create watchlists, threaten to create an unprecedented level of surveillance that could chill free movement and association. I urge you to take immediate action to protect New Yorkers' privacy rights. We need legislation that: 1. Prohibits sharing of ALPR data with federal immigration authorities. 2. Requires warrants for law enforcement access to ALPR systems, except in true emergencies. 3. Mandates strict oversight and auditing of ALPR system usage to prevent stalking and unlawful searches. 4. Limits data retention periods and restricts the integration of ALPR data with other surveillance technologies or commercial databases. 5. Ensures transparency by requiring regular public reporting on the use and effectiveness of these systems. The ACLU has warned that this expansion of AI-powered surveillance technology threatens the very fabric of our democratic society. As your constituent, I ask you to lead the effort in enacting strong privacy protections against this invasive surveillance machinery. Our constitutional rights and civil liberties depend on your swift and decisive action.