Flock cameras could turn American neighborhoods into a China-like surveillance state, ex-Pentagon AI chief warns

Former Pentagon AI Policy Director Mark Beall warned that expanding artificial intelligence surveillance tools, like Flock cameras, could turn American communities into a “China-like surveillance state” unless guardrails are enforced.Speaking on “Saturday in America,” Beall argued that while this technology can have vital law enforcement benefits, clear rules and judicial oversight are necessary to protect the rights of Americans at home.“We have to be careful that we don’t go too far to the other direction and create a China-like surveillance state, which is literally what AI capabilities will ultimately enable and are enabling right now,” Beall told Fox News.From destroyed camera poles to viral signs blocking surveillance lenses, some communities are pushing back against neighborhood surveillance cameras.Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to record vehicle data that can aid criminal investigations.

People in communities with the cameras have raised concerns about privacy and potential misuse by law enforcement.Beall acknowledged that the technology can benefit law enforcement but said people’s privacy concerns are also valid.He urged a compromise and called for guardrails on how the cameras can be used, including strict rules and court oversight to prevent officers from abusing the technology for personal reasons.“It’s tough to bring the message of compromise to the American people, especially when it comes to our constitutional protections,” Beall said.“I think what we’re seeing across the board when it comes to artificial intelligence is that the innovation upside is so tremendous, but across all of these different use cases, including the Flock cameras, what we really need are strong guardrails, a strong policy that allows us to maintain those special values, the American founding principles that make this country so great,” he added.Lawmakers from both parties have raised similar concerns and...