Flock, the automatic license plate reader (ALPR) company, exposed some of the license plate cops were looking for and the reason for doing so.

Flock, the automatic license plate reader (ALPR) company, exposed some of the license plate cops were looking for and the reason for doing so.

  • Leon@pawb.socialEnglish
    79·
    7 hours ago

    They’re little computers with cameras that capture everything. I think some of these types of devices run Android. Many are very poorly secured, like the article suggests. A “license plate reader” sounds like it only reads license plates, these are surveillance platforms, with cameras and microphones. They can be accessed remotely to do more than just read a license plate.

    I’m thinking the person says that couching it as a license plate reader is disingenuous, because it doesn’t really convey the gravity of what the devices are capable of.

    • deadcream@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      1·
      1 hour ago

      Any “license plate reader” has a camera and can be used for anything. This was true before flock.

        • deadcream@sopuli.xyzEnglish
          1·
          42 minutes ago

          You think USA government agencies never thought of using public surveillance cameras to spy on people before now? That’s like basic stuff for any domestic security agency, in any country. The only difference is that now the data is shared with regular police with all the incompetence and abuse it implies. You have always been spied on.

    • extremeboredom@lemmy.worldEnglish
      10·
      5 hours ago

      Yes, ALPR is a term used for the purpose of public relations. It does not accurately describe the technology.