"Typically mounted on street poles or atop police cars, plate readers continuously monitor passing vehicles, recording their location at a specific date and time. But Flock's AI-powered cameras go even further by also documenting other identifying vehicle details, such as make, model and color, as well as any distinctive markings like scratches or dents on a bumper."
"These can be really powerful tools to find someone, and identity them. But when you don't have a suspect, everyone can be a suspect. - Hannah Bloch-Wehba, professor of law at Texas A&M University, highlighting concerns about mass surveillance without warrant requirements."
"In recent months, dozens of cities have cut ties with Flock - the nation's largest provider of automated digital license plate readers - over fears that data the company captures is helping power President Trump's mass deportation campaign."
Flock Safety, the nation's largest automated digital license plate reader provider, faces widespread rejection from cities concerned about data enabling mass deportations. Santa Cruz and Cambridge ended contracts, while San Diego officials reconsider their relationship with the company. Los Angeles remains an exception, maintaining active use through law enforcement, homeowners associations, and businesses. Flock's AI-powered cameras record vehicle locations, makes, models, colors, and distinctive markings. While police cite investigative benefits, critics warn the technology enables mass surveillance of law-abiding citizens without warrants, creating scenarios where everyone becomes a potential suspect.
#surveillance-technology #license-plate-readers #mass-deportation #privacy-concerns #law-enforcement
Read at Los Angeles Times
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