Privacy activists call on California to remove covert license plate readers

"More than two dozen privacy and advocacy organizations are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to remove a network of covert license plate readers deployed across Southern California that the groups believe feed data into a controversial U.S. Border Patrol predictive domestic intelligence program that scans the country's roadways for suspicious travel patterns. We ask that your administration investigate and release the relevant permits, revoke them, and initiate the removal of these devices,"

"The data collected by the Border Patrol plate readers was then fed into a predictive intelligence program monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious. AP obtained land use permits from Arizona showing that the Border Patrol went to great lengths to conceal its surveillance equipment in that state, camouflaging it by placing it inside orange and yellow construction barrels dotting highways."

More than two dozen privacy and advocacy organizations asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to remove a network of covert license plate readers across Southern California, asserting the devices feed data into a Border Patrol predictive domestic intelligence program. The groups urged the administration to investigate, release related permits, revoke approvals, and remove the equipment. An Associated Press investigation found Border Patrol concealed readers in ordinary traffic safety equipment and fed collected data into a nationwide predictive program that flags suspicious travel patterns. Researchers identified about 40 readers in San Diego and Imperial counties, with over two dozen hidden in construction barrels; some permits show Border Patrol and DEA applications.

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