Tompkins County lawmakers voted to shut down an AI-powered license plate reader system after months of protests, according to The Ithaca Voice. The legislature approved ending its contract with Flock Safety in a 12-1 decision Tuesday.
Activists pushed hard against the cameras, warning they enable mass surveillance and could expose data to federal immigration enforcement. The county, a sanctuary jurisdiction, faced pressure over whether the system conflicted with its policies. Some lawmakers said they lost trust in the company, while others argued the technology wasn’t true surveillance.
Officials now plan to keep anti-violence funding while exploring alternatives like mobile camera trailers. Still, some residents and law enforcement worry the gap could impact safety in high-crime areas.
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