Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced it will no longer allow automated license plate readers (ALPRs) along state public rights of way, citing severe data privacy concerns and reports of misuse. The controversial move comes after widespread reports of law enforcement officers abusing the surveillance systems, with some using the cameras to track and stalk romantic interests. Following the state's decision, several county sheriffs have also announced they will discontinue the use of the tracking systems. Flock Security, a major manufacturer of the cameras, pushed back against the state's ban, defending the technology as an essential public safety tool. The company stated that the cameras have recently helped locate missing children and catch murder suspects in Florida, arguing for better accountability and transparency legislation rather than outright bans.
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced it will no longer allow automated license plate readers (ALPRs) along state public rights of way, citing severe data privacy concerns and reports of misuse. The controversial move comes after widespread reports of law enforcement officers abusing the surveillance systems, with some using the cameras to track and stalk romantic interests. Following the state's decision, several county sheriffs have also announced they will discontinue the use of the tracking systems. Flock Security, a major manufacturer of the cameras, pushed back against the state's ban, defending the technology as an essential public safety tool. The company stated that the cameras have recently helped locate missing children and catch murder suspects in Florida, arguing for better accountability and transparency legislation rather than outright bans.
