Washington State Legislators Grapple with AI-Powered Surveillance Camera Regulations

State Democrats in Washington have raised significant concerns over Flock Safety cameras, a surveillance technology that uses artificial intelligence to track and identify vehicles across a nationwide database. As Senate Bill 6002 advances through the legislature, lawmakers are attempting to balance public safety benefits with growing privacy concerns.

Flock Safety cameras, which are marketed primarily to local law enforcement, can locate and track vehicles using simple descriptions in “plain language,” according to the company’s website. The system centralizes this data in a national database, raising questions about who can access this information and how it might be used.

The issue gained particular urgency in Washington last November when a Skagit County Superior Court judge ruled that Flock camera records would be accessible as public records. This decision potentially opened the door for widespread access to surveillance footage that captures citizens’ movements.

SB 6002, which recently passed the Senate and awaits consideration in the House, aims to restrict access to these camera records. The bill would limit access to law enforcement agencies and those with judicial warrants while exempting data containing personally identifiable information from public records requests. Additionally, the legislation would establish retention limits on how long this surveillance data can be stored.

Privacy advocates have voiced serious concerns about the technology, comparing it to surveillance systems imagined in George Orwell’s “1984.” They argue the cameras represent a fundamental threat to privacy, personal freedom, and potentially even safety.

One major concern centers on federal agencies, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), potentially accessing these local surveillance systems. Evidence has already emerged showing ICE using AI recognition tools to identify anti-ICE protesters. Critics point to incidents in Minneapolis where ICE allegedly violated local and federal laws during enforcement actions, raising questions about how this expanded surveillance capability might be used.

Beyond government use, critics also highlight risks from non-governmental actors. If access to this tracking data is not strictly controlled, stalkers or human traffickers could potentially exploit the information to monitor victims’ movements and daily routines. The ability to track someone’s primary transportation provides concerning opportunities for those seeking to control or harm others.

Security vulnerabilities present another troubling dimension. A YouTube investigation titled “We Hacked Flock Safety Cameras in under 30 Seconds” demonstrated how easily the system’s security measures could be bypassed, raising questions about the technology’s overall security posture.

Proponents of the technology argue it offers legitimate benefits for law enforcement, potentially expediting the detection and investigation of serious crimes. The system could help dismantle criminal networks more efficiently when used appropriately.

However, even supporters acknowledge the necessity for strict access controls. Communities that already harbor distrust toward law enforcement have expressed particular concern about how this surveillance data might be used, even within legitimate channels.

While SB 6002 represents a step toward regulation, critics argue it contains significant shortcomings. The legislation provides no recourse if the AI-powered cameras generate false information, a known issue with artificial intelligence systems. Additionally, the penalties for misuse—classified as a gross misdemeanor—may not be sufficient to deter federal agencies or criminal elements from improperly accessing the valuable surveillance data.

As the bill moves to the House for consideration, Washington legislators face difficult questions about the balance between surveillance technology and civil liberties in an increasingly monitored society. Whether SB 6002 will adequately address these complex concerns remains to be seen.