Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Police/Emergency
Law enforcement agencies know a lot about the whereabouts and daily habits of millions of American motorists through the use of automated license-plate readers.
Motorists, on the other hand, don’t know much about the records police officers have collected through the use of these machines. These records are getting harder to obtain.
"What it says is that we’re all suspects in waiting," – Steve Orr
Even though the vast majority of these records involve ordinary drivers not accused of any crimes, law-enforcement officials are increasingly withholding license-plate reader data from public purview. Three court cases filed within the past month could go a long way in determining whether the public has a right to see this data.
Advocacy groups, reporters and private citizens behind these lawsuits all believe the records will shed light on how police officers collect and utilize records that can paint detailed portraits of a motorist’s private life. But at a time when more Americans are growing concerned over widespread surveillance techniques and mass collection of personal data, authorities are justifying their decisions to keep this information secret by claiming the records are all part of ongoing investigations.
Continue reading Motorists losing right to see automated license-plate reader data [w/videos]
Motorists losing right to see automated license-plate reader data [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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