Flock Boosts Donations to Politician Groups 700% as AI Camera Protests Grow

Flock, an AI-powered surveillance camera company, has increased donations to political groups representing mayors, governors, and attorneys general by 700 percent since early 2025, amid mounting protests against its technology. The company gave $240,000 to Democratic and Republican associations, up from $30,000 between 2022 and 2024, and has spent over $2 million on lobbying. Critics say the donations create conflicts of interest, while recipient groups deny any influence over local officials. Flock faces backlash over civil liberties abuses, including immigration officials' data access and police misuse of its database. Scores of cities have canceled contracts since 2026, and competitors Axon and Motorola Solutions have also made similar political donations.