Privacy Concerns Over Automated License Plate Readers Spark Legislative Action

Americans are increasingly worried about privacy issues linked to Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers (ALPRs). These devices, which can capture images of vehicles and monitor their locations, have prompted a reaction from some lawmakers. Representative Pat Harrigan, a Republican from North Carolina, has taken initiative by introducing a new bill aimed at addressing these concerns.

On Thursday, Harrigan proposed legislation that seeks to restrict ALPR searches that focus on political or religious symbols found on vehicles. The bill would require law enforcement to obtain warrants for most searches, enforce a 24-hour deletion policy for records, and ban vendors from selling location data.

“When you think about how these systems track almost every move you make—where you work, where your kids go to school, where you even attend church—it’s rather clear why so many are uneasy about it,” Harrigan told Fox News Digital. “This is a significant amount of personal information for someone who hasn’t broken the law.”

The debate surrounding Flock cameras and ALPRs is quite polarized. On one hand, supporters argue they’re essential for preventing crime, while critics warn they pose constitutional issues by monitoring drivers without their consent. Former President Donald Trump has expressed a degree of support for these technologies, stating he finds them useful for law enforcement, despite some labeling their use as an infringement on privacy.

Harrigan’s bill would impose a ban on categorizing vehicles based on what are described as “expressive attributes,” including political or religious stickers and decals. This means that messages such as “Back the Blue,” “Jesus Saves,” or “Black Lives Matter” wouldn’t be made searchable. The legislation also prohibits searches related to civil immigration matters, parking or minor traffic violations, and certain debts.

As ALPR technology continues to grow, Flock Safety maintains that while their systems are capable of detecting bumper stickers, they cannot identify specific types, such as those linked to political movements or religious groups. Still, their AI-driven FreeForm search feature allows users to look up vehicle information in straightforward terms, which raises questions about how such identifiers may be utilized for vehicle tracking. The company claims they have safeguards in place to prevent searches based on political or religious markers.

Under the proposed bill, most searches would require a probable cause warrant, although there would be exceptions for urgent safety threats. Records must be deleted within 24 hours except in cases of warrants or emergencies. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies would have to keep logs of ALPR searches, provide annual reports, and undergo audits. If states lack necessary protections, they risk losing 10% of certain federal criminal justice funding. Additionally, it would be illegal for vendors to sell ALPR data or use it for developing AI models.

For those concerned about their Fourth Amendment rights, the bill promises legal protections that would allow individuals to sue for illegal searches, with a minimum penalty of $1,000 per violation.

In August, a report revealed that over 50 law enforcement officers faced accusations of misusing license plate readers, with some allegedly using the technology to monitor personal acquaintances. Harrigan noted that his proposed legislation wouldn’t completely eliminate ALPRs as investigative tools but would establish boundaries regarding their use.

“We can leverage technology to enhance public safety while still protecting personal rights,” he stated. Harrigan is optimistic that lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum can support the bill, emphasizing, “Protecting citizens from crime and their constitutional rights are fundamental responsibilities of government.”

Attempts to obtain a comment from Flock Safety were unsuccessful before publication.