FBI Plan to Access License Plate Data Could Track Drivers Nationwide
Summary
The FBI plans to spend up to $36 million to access a nationwide database of license plate reader (ALPR) data, which would let them track vehicle movements without needing a warrant. ALPR systems capture and store information about vehicles, like license plate numbers, locations, times, and photos, creating detailed records of where cars travel.Key Facts
- The FBI wants to buy access to a service that collects automated license plate reader (ALPR) data across the U.S.
- ALPR systems use cameras and software to automatically record license plates, locations, dates, and times.
- This data can include photos of vehicles and sometimes drivers or passengers.
- The technology has been used by law enforcement and others for over 20 years.
- Combining data from many ALPR scans can track a vehicle’s routes, stops, and movement patterns over time.
- This tracking could reveal sensitive personal details like where someone lives, works, or goes for medical care.
- Normally, the FBI needs a warrant to access someone’s location data, but ALPR data may not require one.
- Civil rights groups warn that collecting and storing this data risks Americans’ privacy with few restrictions.
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