Texas Governor Abbott Halts Funding for Flock AI Surveillance Cameras

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has frozen state spending on Flock’s AI surveillance cameras amid growing backlash. The decision came just before a Texas Tribune investigation revealed that the state had spent more than $30 million on the system, money largely raised by adding a $1 fee to insurance policies aimed at curbing catalytic converter theft. Flock cameras have attracted criticism across the political spectrum over privacy concerns, and several officers have faced leave or criminal charges for misuse of the technology. Abbott’s move stops further state investment while the investigation’s findings prompt a review of the cameras’ deployment and oversight.