The digital panopticon: License plate readers are tracking you everywhere you go

Nationwide networks of automated license plate readers (ALPRs), like Flock Safety, are tracking billions of American drivers, storing license plates, vehicle details, and unique features. Privacy advocates warn this mass surveillance creates permanent records without suspicion of crime. Security flaws have exposed live feeds online. Funded by Silicon Valley, ALPRs raise serious Fourth Amendment concerns, prompting calls for stricter regulation and limits on data retention.