From Tea to Tags: Americans push back on ALPR surveillance

A nationwide, bipartisan backlash against automated license plate readers (ALPRs)—including Flock Safety cameras—has grown as critics warn of mass data collection and potential abuse. With over 130,000 ALPRs deployed and more than 5,000 agencies using Flock, incidents where officers abused gathered data (stalking individuals) and lawsuits over data sharing (e.g., ICE) have spurred action. Florida halted ALPR permits on highways in 2026, and activists have damaged systems in at least 36 states. The piece frames the revolt as a modern echo of the Boston Tea Party, arguing for balancing public safety with robust privacy protections, while invoking historical figures like Franklin and Adams to underscore the push for liberty amid surveillance.