Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced the Ban Flock Act, seeking to exclude federal agencies from using automatic license plate reader systems, including those operated by local police and private companies like Flock. Despite Flock’s recent data retention period reduction, the company remains under pressure from communities demanding the halt of such surveillance.

The bill, while prohibiting data collection beyond 48 hours for non-toll-related activities, allows exceptions for government oversight. Failure to comply could result in financial penalties for state and local governments. Citizens and state attorneys can sue for violations, adding a legal layer to the debate.

Facing public ire, Flock has tightened its rules, with a new seven-day default data retention period and an audit tool that restricts access during unusual searches. The company’s largest vendor status, serving over 120,000 cameras, has not gone unnoticed, prompting calls for stricter controls.

Reactions to the bill are mixed, with co-sponsors Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Jeff Merkley joining Sanders. What’s clear is that the conversation around tech’s role in public life is far from over.