How Police Around the Country Are Conducting Mass Surveillance
Oct 31, 2025
Join Michael Soyfer, a Fourth Amendment expert, and Dan King, a communications project manager, as they discuss AI-powered surveillance through automated license plate readers (ALPRs). They uncover how these devices track movements and raise constitutional concerns around privacy. Learn about grassroots pushback, recent victories against ALPR projects, and the implications of the Norfolk litigation. Discover how everyday people can take action to protect their rights in the face of expanding surveillance tactics.
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How License Plate Readers Work
- License plate readers photograph every passing plate and convert images into searchable text.
- They also capture vehicle features and store sightings in databases for future lookup.
Warrantless Access Is Common
- Most places do not require a warrant to search ALPR databases.
- Access controls and restrictions vary widely across jurisdictions.
Reporter Obtained His Location History Easily
- A reporter drove through rural Virginia and obtained his own location history after asking police.
- Police asked only a casual question and then handed over detailed movement data without verification.
