Gov. Ron DeSantis isn't a fan of automated license plate readers going up on traffic lights and utility poles across Florida roadways.
He didn't mince his words when asked about the controversial technology during a press conference at Florida International University today.
"I think these cameras, license plate readers, I think it's out of control," DeSantis said.
Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) have become a hot-button issue in Florida over privacy concerns, including the use of Flock Cameras to capture vehicle data. The technology is often used by law enforcement to track vehicle movements and identify suspects in investigations involving stolen cars and other crimes.
Approximately 100 law enforcement agencies in Florida use Flock cameras, according to reports.
Gov. DeSantis, while supporting law enforcement's ability to stop crime, warned the use could of ALPRs could infringe on Floridians' civil liberties.
"I'm all about having law enforcement have tools to be able to hold criminals accountable. I think that's important that we do that, and no one's been stronger on law enforcement than me," DeSantis said. "But I don't want to have this become a surveillance state."
Gov. DeSantis noted his proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bill of Rights to the Florida Legislature as one deterrent to Flock cameras and other AI technologies. The bill twice passed in the Senate but failed both times in the House during the state's regular legislative session in March and again during a special session in April.
"Whether it's online with digital surveillance or whether it's with cameras, at what point are we just going to be free to be not have to deal with any of that? And so I think it needs to be overhauled for sure," DeSantis said.
DeSantis suggested using New Hampshire as a model, which generally prohibits flock cameras on public roads, with some exceptions for law enforcement if data is deleted in an expedited fashion. But he also warned giving police officers too much control, as seen allegedly by one Florida cop using Flock to track his ex-wife over a two-year period.
"When I see like a police officer using this to track like an ex-girlfriend, I'm like what the hell's going on with this," DeSantis said. "I think this has happened very quickly. I think people are right to be concerned."
