Key facts
- MapQuest's new feature displays known automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras on its mobile app.
- The feature can identify cameras from manufacturers including Flock Safety, Axon, Motorola Solutions, and PlateSmart.
- Critics cite privacy concerns and potential misuse of data collected by ALPRs.
- Tempe, Arizona, recently shut down its Flock Safety camera network.
- Flock Safety states its cameras do not use facial recognition and that customers control data access.
MapQuest has introduced a new feature in its mobile app that allows users to visualize the locations of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras along their planned routes. The 'surveillance layer' can identify cameras from manufacturers such as Flock Safety, Axon Enterprise, Motorola Solutions, and PlateSmart. These cameras capture vehicle details, including license plates, make, model, and color, turning them into searchable data. While law enforcement and retail security have utilized these cameras, they have also faced significant public backlash due to privacy concerns and the potential for data misuse or sharing with immigration officials. In response to criticism, Flock Safety has stated its cameras do not use facial recognition and has reduced its data retention period from 30 days to 7 days. The city of Tempe, Arizona, recently decided to terminate its contract with Flock Safety, citing the risk of misuse as too great.