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Public disputes over automated license-plate readers, searchable vehicle-location records, and the use or prohibition of networked camera systems.
Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.
2 statements on this page. Dates: February 6, 2026 to October 2, 2026
2 matching statements. Dates: February 6, 2026 to October 2, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: February 6, 2026 to October 2, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: February 6, 2026 to October 2, 2026
2 statements on this page. Dates: February 6, 2026 to October 2, 2026
Role at the time: U.S. senator
Statement summary
Jeff Merkley supported the Ban Flock Act, which would prohibit federal use of automatic license plate readers and limit federal funding for state and local use.
“Your right to privacy includes the freedom to move around your community without every move being monitored.”
The congressional sponsors described the proposed bill and their positions on Flock Safety and automatic license plate reader networks.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Merkley says Flock's system threatens privacy and supports legislation limiting automatic license plate reader use.
Role at the time: U.S. senator from Oregon, answering a question at a Parkdale town hall
Statement summary
At an Oregon town hall, Merkley said he opposes facial recognition technology and that expanded surveillance authorities after Sept. 11 helped normalize technologies including Flock cameras used by law enforcement. He called the situation a huge threat to privacy and freedom.
“It's all a huge threat to privacy and freedom in America.”
Local outlet's account of Merkley's Feb. 6, 2026 town hall in Parkdale, Oregon. The Flock reference comes in his answer to a question about a land transfer, data centers and surveillance. CNN cameras recorded the event.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Merkley criticized surveillance normalization that includes Flock cameras but named no remedy for the cameras themselves, so the statement is placed with critical statements that do not name a remedy.
