Fact Check: "Flock Safety blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies that have sought data related to abortion or immigration."
What We Know
Flock Safety, a company that provides automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology, has indeed blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies that sought data related to abortion or immigration. This action was taken at the request of Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, following an incident where a suburban Chicago police department shared license plate data with a Texas sheriff investigating a woman who had an abortion (6abc, 5). The Illinois law, enacted in 2023, prohibits the sharing of license plate data for tracking individuals seeking abortions or undocumented immigrants (3, 4).
The blocking of access is part of a broader effort to prevent misuse of license plate data, as highlighted by Giannoulias, who noted that the technology should not be used for surveillance that could criminalize lawful behavior (3). Flock Safety has also implemented a program to flag requests containing the terms "abortion" and "immigration," denying those applications (6abc).
Analysis
The claim that Flock Safety blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including news outlets and official statements from state officials. The Illinois Secretary of State's office confirmed that Flock Safety took this action in response to concerns about the misuse of data for tracking individuals related to abortion and immigration (5, 6).
However, while the blocking of access is a significant step, it is important to note that the effectiveness of this measure relies on compliance from law enforcement agencies and the integrity of the data-sharing process. Critics, including privacy advocates, have raised concerns that as long as states continue to share data, there will be potential for misuse, regardless of Flock Safety's restrictions (3, 4).
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, with news reports from established outlets and official statements from government officials. However, the broader implications of data sharing and surveillance practices remain contentious, and the situation is evolving as more states enact similar laws.
Conclusion
The claim that "Flock Safety blocked access to 62 out-of-state agencies that have sought data related to abortion or immigration" is Partially True. While it is accurate that Flock Safety has taken steps to block access to these agencies, the effectiveness of these measures in preventing misuse of data is still under scrutiny. The action reflects a response to specific incidents of data misuse, but the ongoing challenges of data privacy and surveillance practices remain significant.
Sources
- Subject-by-Subject Breakdown of Trump's Project 2025
- Dangers of Automated License Plate Readers to Immigrant ...
- Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared ... - 6ABC
- Texas police 'abused' license plate data for immigration ...
- Officials investigate license-plate data shared with police for ...
- Police accused of misusing license plate data in hunt for ...
- Roadblock to Care — S.T.O.P.
- She Got an Abortion. So A Texas Cop Used ...
