That drone in the sky could be tracking your car
5 hours ago
- #police surveillance
- #drone technology
- #privacy concerns
- Police are using drones equipped with automated license plate readers (ALPRs) for surveillance.
- Flock Safety's drones integrate ALPR technology, increasing privacy concerns.
- DFR (drone-as-first-responder) programs are expanding rapidly, with major companies like Axon and Motorola Solutions investing in drone technology.
- ALPR systems capture and store detailed vehicle information, often shared nationwide among law enforcement agencies.
- ALPRs have issues like data collection on innocent individuals, frequent mistakes, and misuse by officers.
- Drones provide police with views of private areas, and FAA waivers are making their use more widespread.
- Some police departments may not be fully aware that purchasing Flock drones also means acquiring flying ALPRs.
- Drones can be equipped with additional surveillance tools like cell-site simulators, weapons, and microphones.
- Flock Safety aims to link ALPR data with personal information about car owners, raising further privacy concerns.
- EFF tracks police drone usage and encourages public awareness through the Atlas of Surveillance.