# The Summer That America Became a Nation of Luddites

> Source: <https://politicalwire.com/2026/08/15/the-summer-that-america-became-a-nation-of-luddites/>
> Published: 2026-08-15 10:19:14+00:00

[Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/the-summer-that-america-became-a-nation-of-luddites-5e6dc3e7?mod=hp_lead_pos9): “As the mood of the nation sours on Silicon Valley’s vision for the future, Flock cameras and data centers have become personae non grata in several communities. In many ways, they are physical manifestations of artificial intelligence—an incorporeal technology—that’s fueling both big dreams and new nightmares.”

“On Thursday, amid mounting public pressure, Flock announced changes aimed at addressing fears over access to license-plate data its cameras collect across the country for law-enforcement agencies and other customers.”

“That blowback comes as a rush to build out data centers for AI has sparked backlashes in several states, becoming a major political issue in elections that will decide gubernatorial races and control of Congress in November.”

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