License Plate Trackers: Who's Watching Who?

In recent times, license plate tracking systems have become a hot topic. These systems, like those from Flock, are used by many local police departments to catch criminals. But not everyone is happy about them. Some people worry that these cameras might be used to spy on innocent folks. They fear that data collected could end up in the hands of federal agencies, like ICE. This is especially concerning for immigrants and people of color, who might feel targeted. Flock cameras have been around for a while. They're even near places like Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club. But lately, more than a dozen cities have paused or stopped using them. They're worried about who might access the data. In Cambridge, the city council first approved Flock cameras. But they changed their minds when they found out the data might be shared with federal agencies. They're now reviewing the program. Flock's chief communications officer, Josh Thomas, says not many cities have stopped using their systems. He also mentioned that they've added new features to make sure data is used properly. But he understands why people are worried. In Evanston, Illinois, Mayor Daniel Biss said the cameras aren't trustworthy. The city even covered them up with plastic bags after Flock put them back without permission. Biss said the biggest safety threat to his residents is ICE, not crime. In Eugene, Oregon, city council member Jennifer Yeh said people are concerned about federal overreach. She mentioned that federal agencies have accessed their data twice. Now, Eugene is reviewing its use of Flock cameras.