Texas and Florida Step Back from ALPRs
Within the last few days, two important state actions have dealt a big blow to automated license plate reader (ALPR) networks. This is just the latest proof of the growing tide of public opposition to mass surveillance. After years of successful grassroots battles to pull these cameras from local streets, bipartisan momentum is sweeping the country. On August 28, Texas Governor Greg Abbott banned…
Texas and Florida have recently taken significant actions that deal a major setback to automated license plate reader (ALPR) networks. This follows a wave of public opposition to mass surveillance. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an order on August 28 banning state agencies from spending public funds on Flock cameras, just as The Texas Tribune was set to publish an investigation revealing the agency's involvement in building a large surveillance network using at least $30 million.
The next day, Florida's Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a memo, announced by Governor Ron DeSantis, ordering the removal of all ALPRs from state highways within 30 days. The order cancels all previous permits and prevents future installations. FDOT officials cited the increase in deployments, misuse concerns, data privacy issues, and surveillance schemes as reasons for the swift action.
FDOT's decision has prompted local governments in Florida to cancel or delay their vendor contracts. However, many ALPRs in Florida remain on city streets, county roads, residential driveways, and shopping center parking lots, as FDOT's order does not address these. Texas' directive leaves local agencies free to use city, county, federal, and private funds for installation.
The recent events come after years of grassroots efforts to remove these surveillance cameras from local streets, with many cities severing ties with surveillance companies. In recent days, an average of three localities per day have halted contracts with Flock. Advocates have also been resisting ALPRs in statehouses and courthouses, and exposing the technology through investigative activism.
These actions in Florida and Texas demonstrate the executive branch's ability to curtail mass surveillance quickly. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) supports the move, but emphasizes that ALPR mass surveillance, which indiscriminately collects and retains location data on all drivers, should not exist. EFF remains committed to working with community groups to remove cameras from local streets and advocating for enforceable restrictions on this warrantless mass surveillance.
Written by urgent.news from EFF Deeplinks's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
