A Texas councilmember is going viral after suggesting the town of Bandera should ban nearly all forms of technology following a vote to remove Flock surveillance cameras from the area. Jeff Flowers, a vocal supporter of AI-powered license plate reader cameras, said he would propose a ban on cell phones, internet access, GPS-capable devices, and outward-facing cameras within city limits. Unsurprisingly, the internet quickly weighed in
First reported by the Bandera Bulletin and later picked up by 404 Media before spreading to Reddit, the story gained attention online after Flowers unveiled Bandera’s ‘Declaration of Digital Independence.’ The proposal would include “a total ban on all cellular and GPS-capable devices for all operations within city limits,” along with “a total ban on outward facing cameras and a total termination of all internet services,” Suggesting Texas residents should fully commit to privacy if they believe the Flock cameras are “unconstitutional,” Flowers added, “If we are to be truly ‘private,’ we must leave our smartphones at the city line.”
Residents argued that the cameras constituted unnecessary government surveillance in a town with one of the lowest crime rates in Texas. According to reports, frustration over the cameras allegedly escalated to the point that some residents repeatedly tore down poles connected to the system.
Texas Citizens Had Plenty to Say
The proposal drew plenty of skepticism online, with many questioning Flowers’ strong support for the surveillance cameras. “Yup, someone is upset their kickbacks are gone,” one Redditor wrote. Another added, “Nobody reacts like this unless the decision is personally affecting them somehow.”
Others were less focused on possible motives and more critical of Flowers’ response itself, with one commenter describing the proposal as a “childish tantrum.” Flowers, however, defended his support for the cameras, saying, “I believe personally that guilty people act defensively. If you don’t have anything to hide, then it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Texas is not the only state currently facing debates over surveillance technology and digital privacy. Similar disputes involving Flock cameras and automated license plate readers have surfaced in states including Colorado and Connecticut.
