Ohio AG Candidates Weigh In on Flock Camera Controversy Amid Surveillance Concerns

Columbus, OH, September 16, 2026 — The increasing use of Flock license plate reader cameras across Ohio has become a focal point in the race for the state’s Attorney General office, with candidates proposing differing approaches to address public concerns about surveillance and data privacy.

The controversy centers on the technology, which captures license plate data, and raises questions about potential misuse and the extent of government surveillance. Both major party candidates vying for the Attorney General position have weighed in on the issue, outlining their proposed solutions.

Republican candidate Keith Faber has put forth a proposal aimed at deterring improper access to the camera data. Faber advocates for making any abuse of the Flock camera database a felony offense. This stance suggests a focus on punitive measures for individuals who misuse the system, aiming to build public trust through strict enforcement against breaches.

Conversely, Democratic candidate John Kulewicz is calling for broader legislative action. Kulewicz’s position emphasizes the need for more comprehensive data privacy legislation. This approach indicates a belief that a wider legal framework is necessary to protect citizens’ information in the digital age, extending beyond specific technologies like the Flock cameras.

The debate over Flock cameras is not confined to the political arena; it is directly impacting local governance. Concerns over government surveillance and documented instances of database misuse have prompted several Ohio municipalities to re-evaluate their adoption of the technology. The city of Columbus, for example, has paused or begun to reconsider its use of Flock cameras, reflecting a growing unease among local officials and residents alike.

The differing proposals from Faber and Kulewicz highlight a key division in how the state’s top legal office might approach technology oversight. Faber’s focus on criminalizing misuse suggests a strategy of enforcement and deterrence, while Kulewicz’s call for broader privacy laws points toward proactive legislative reform to establish clearer data protection standards for all forms of digital surveillance.

As the election progresses, voters will likely seek more details on the specific legislative proposals and enforcement strategies each candidate intends to pursue regarding public surveillance technologies and data privacy rights in Ohio.

Story summarized from the original created by Nick Evans on ohiocapitaljournal.com, see more information here.

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