Across the country, surveillance companies have spun a vast web of tens of thousands of license plate cameras. The people selling this tech want you to believe that it’s for your safety, but how are authorities really using automated license plate readers (ALPR)? In this week’s EFFector newsletter, we’re looking at how these powerful surveillance networks have become universal people-trackers used for noise complaints and other low-level investigations.
For over 35 years, EFFector has been your guide to understanding the intersection of technology, civil liberties, and the law. This week’s issue covers a victory for facial privacy, EFF’s testimony to Congress about AI and surveillance, and troubling new examples of ALPR mission creep.
Prefer to listen in? EFFector is now available on all major podcast platforms. This week, we’re chatting with EFF Associate Director of State Affairs Rindala Alajaji about what she uncovered about police use of ALPR. And don’t miss the EFFector news quiz. You can find the episode and subscribe on your podcast platform of choice:
 
 
 
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