Gov. Abbott bans Texas agencies from funding Flock's roadside cameras

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras on Thursday evening, citing growing concerns over the company’s roadside camera network. The directive applies to the Texas Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Safety, and any other agency that has used Flock equipment for traffic enforcement or monitoring.

Flock, a Texas‑based company, sells cameras that record drivers’ license plates and vehicle details. The system has been installed on highways and city streets to enforce speed limits and track traffic flow. However, critics argue that the cameras can be used for mass surveillance, that the data may be shared with private companies, and that the technology can misidentify vehicles. A lawsuit filed last year claims Flock’s system was used to target minority drivers. The Texas Tribune announced it would publish an investigation into the company’s practices, raising the public’s awareness of the issue.

The order will affect roughly 1,200 cameras across the state, worth an estimated $15 million in annual contracts. The Department of Transportation said it will pause payments and begin reviewing its procurement policies. Flock’s CEO said the company believes its cameras are safe and that the state should not cut funding without a thorough audit. Some lawmakers praised Abbott’s move, saying it protects citizens’ privacy. Others worry it could reduce traffic enforcement and increase road accidents.

Next, the state will conduct a formal audit of all Flock contracts, and the Texas Tribune’s report is expected to be released next week. If the investigation finds wrongdoing, the state could seek legal action or require stricter data‑protection standards. The decision also signals a broader national debate over roadside surveillance. If other states follow Texas, the market for traffic‑monitoring cameras could shrink, forcing companies like Flock to change their business model or face regulatory bans.