Flock Camera Controversy Spurs Rhode Island Moratorium on Plate-Reading Devices

As Flock cameras and other surveillance technologies spur controversy, Rhode Island is pausing installation of new cameras and studying their effects.Gov. Dan McKee on Tuesday called for a statewide pause on the installation and activation of any new automated license plate reader cameras such as Flock, prohibiting state police from installing new cameras for two months and urging cities to do the same.The technology has brought privacy concerns over nationwide mass surveillance and misuse of data by law enforcement agencies. It has raised concerns among some real estate professionals and homeowner groups, with cameras endlessly tracking and recording movement in some neighborhoods.McKee ordered a 60-day review of the technology and how it is used. The state would establish uniform statewide standards for the technology and the data it collects. The Rhode Island State Police won't install any new cameras, but they "may continue to operate" existing ones, the governor said.“Public safety and personal privacy are not mutually exclusive. Rhode Island needs clear and consistent rules of the road for this technology," McKee said. "We are taking action now to pause further expansion, exa...