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Should We Beware of Other License Plate Surveillance Companies Besides Flock?
Police departments are increasingly implementing real-time crime centers augmented by AI software like Axon's Fusus. These centers integrate data from various sources, including Flock cameras, body cameras, dashcams, and private surveillance. While Flock's automated license plate readers have drawn criticism, privacy experts emphasize that they are part of a larger surveillance network. Real-time crime centers offer a comprehensive view of city activity, with the ability to review past events. Law professor Andrew Guthrie Ferguson highlights that these systems go beyond just cameras, incorporating video analytics and drones. The use of Axon Fusus has significantly expanded, with the number of law enforcement agencies more than doubling. The ACLU cautions that switching vendors like Flock for competitors does not inherently solve mass surveillance concerns. Communities are urged to question the necessity and function of such broad surveillance systems. Motorola, a major competitor, offers similar nationwide data sharing services through Vigilant Solutions. These systems collect vast amounts of license plate data, often with unclear retention policies. Ultimately, the article stresses that robust legal restrictions on data usage and retention are crucial, regardless of the vendor.