Several U.S. cities are swapping Flock Safety license plate readers for Axon cameras, a move touted by some as a privacy improvement. However, civil liberties advocates argue this vendor shift is merely a “rebrand” that fails to address the core issue: the creation of extensive databases tracking vehicle movements. While Axon offers a convenience for police departments already using their technology, the fundamental surveillance infrastructure remains. Supporters highlight benefits like stolen vehicle recovery, but critics contend these don’t justify mass tracking. Denver’s recent Axon contract, which includes audit and public reporting requirements, signals a maturing policy debate around governing surveillance, focusing on data retention and oversight rather than just hardware suppliers.