Former Kenosha Deputy Charged for Misusing AI License Plate Reader System

Thumbnail Image

The information displayed in the AIM should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries.

Former Kenosha County deputy Frank McGrath faces felony charges after repeatedly using the Flock AI-powered license plate reader and GPS systems to track a romantic partner without authorization. The misuse led to privacy violations, his resignation, and prompted policy changes within the Sheriff's Office in Kenosha, Wisconsin.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

The Flock Safety system is an AI system used for surveillance and tracking. The deputy's unauthorized use of this system for personal purposes constitutes misuse of the AI system leading to a violation of rights. The event describes actual misuse and legal consequences, indicating that harm has occurred. Therefore, this qualifies as an AI Incident due to the misuse of an AI system causing harm related to rights violations.[AI generated]
AI principles
Privacy & data governanceRespect of human rights

Industries
Government, security, and defence

Affected stakeholders
General publicGovernment

Harm types
Human or fundamental rightsPsychologicalReputational

Business function:
Compliance and justice

AI system task:
Recognition/object detection


Articles about this incident or hazard