Texas freezes $ on Flock AI surveillance

texas governor greg abbott has blocked funding for more flock ai surveillance cameras as bipartisan backlash mounts over the company's systems. a texas tribune investigation found that the state had already spent over $30 million on flock cameras, with the funds primarily raised by tacking a $1 fee onto insurance policies to help fight catalytic converter theft. the move comes after multiple incidents of officers misusing flock systems, including at least six in texas, and concerns over data-sharing, camera placement, and unsecured video feeds. cities around the country, including many in texas, have been canceling their contracts with flock. abbott's democratic opponent, gina hinojosa, has criticized him for expanding use of the cameras, while republican representative keith self has expressed concerns over fourth amendment rights.