NY lawmakers to examine Flock cameras as privacy concerns grow across Capital Region

NY lawmakers to examine Flock cameras as privacy concerns grow across Capital Region By Benny Nezaj WNYT Assembly holding public hearing on flock cameras ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT) — As more communities across the Capital Region turn to automated license plate readers, New York lawmakers are taking a closer look at how the technology is being used and what safeguards may be needed to protect residents’ privacy. Related: Sheriff: Investigator charged after using Flock camera data for personal use Three State Assembly committees are scheduled to hold a joint public hearing Monday at the Legislative Office Building in Albany to examine automatic license plate reader systems, including those operated by Flock Safety. The hearing, scheduled for 11 a.m., will bring together the Assembly committees on Consumer Affairs and Protection, Governmental Operations, and Local Governments. The discussion comes as Flock cameras have become a growing topic of debate in several Capital Region communities, including Troy, Albany, East Greenbush and Saratoga Springs. Related: East Greenbush flock camera debate: Who controls your data? The cameras automatically capture license plate numbers and other identifying details about passing vehicles. Law enforcement agencies can search that information to help locate vehicles connected to criminal investigations. However, questions have emerged about how long the information is retained, who can access it and whether it can be shared with outside agencies. Oral testimony is by invitation only, according to the Assembly’s public hearing notice.