Flock, a company that provides automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology to law enforcement agencies, is under increasing scrutiny in Washington, D.C. Despite the company's CEO declining to appear before a Senate subcommittee on Wednesday, the hearing highlighted growing concerns about Flock's "AI Surveillance Network." Lawmakers, including Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), chair of the Senate Judiciary crime and counterterrorism subcommittee, have pointed to Flock as a major player in the industry. Hawley noted that the company has become a focal point for discussions about the implications of its technology. The hearing, which was attended by a large crowd despite the absence of Flock and its peers' CEOs, included testimony from cybersecurity experts, legal professionals, and individuals affected by the technology. One notable example was a Florida woman who spent 13 days in jail after her car was mistakenly linked to a crime scene by Flock's cameras. A sheriff from another state also spoke about ending a contract with Flock due to concerns over transparency regarding the AI's use. Meanwhile, Verkada, another company involved, clarified that its system does not allow customers to search a national database, only their own local data. The hearing reflects the growing national conversation around Flock, which has moved from local police department concerns to state-level debates and now to a federal level. With less than two months until the midterm elections, lawmakers from both major parties expressed unified concern about ALPRs, which collect location data on individuals not suspected of any crime and can retain that information for up to a month. Cybersecurity expert Benn Jordan noted that he was able to access Flock's data with minimal effort, though the company claims the issue has been resolved. While Flock's security has improved, broader industry issues remain a concern. Lawmakers also questioned how easily law enforcement could access Flock data, noting that it differs from traditional license plate readers, which do not build extensive profiles on individual vehicles. Senators from both parties raised concerns about potential legal loopholes that could allow unauthorized access, such as a local officer performing a search on behalf of another agency. Democratic senators like Alex Padilla and Dick Durbin asked about restrictions on federal immigration authorities accessing Flock data, while Senator Cory Booker raised questions about tracking individuals seeking reproductive care across state lines. On the Republican side, Hawley mentioned similar concerns about tracking gun owners or those seeking pregnancy care, emphasizing the potential for misuse of such data. Although the hearing marked a significant step in the legislative process, Hawley acknowledged that discussions are still in early stages. He noted that he had only recently become aware of Flock and that formal legislation would require a full committee vote. The potential role of former President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed support for the technology, remains uncertain. Hawley emphasized that while the technology may be familiar to law enforcement, it is a newer concern for the public, who increasingly feel tracked and treated as suspects. "Law-abiding citizens should not be treated like criminals," he said, highlighting the need for legislative action to address these concerns.