Florida license plate reader debate raises broader privacy concerns
POLK COUNTY, Fla. —
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said license-plate readers are just one piece of a digital trail that shows where you’ve been.
In a Facebook post, he defended tools like Flock, saying people are being tracked every day. But that’s also why the technology is drawing concern.
Earlier this week, the Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits for license-plate readers on state roads. Judd confirmed in Polk County those cameras on state right-of-ways will come down, but his office will keep using others.
“It does not invade personal private space,” Judd said. “There are license plate readers that read your tag number when you’re on the toll road. It knows where you’re going. There’s red light cameras that read your tag number. They know where you’re going.”
University of South Florida assistant professor Karni Chagal-Feferkorn said she’s been closely following this debate.
“One discussion is: why is everyone so concerned? What’s the difference?” she said.
Chagal-Feferkorn said one difference between license-plate readers and other surveillance technology is access.
“In the past there used to be a lot of friction involved,” Chagal-Feferkorn said. With current license-plate reader technology, “the potential for misuse is much greater.”
Judd said these readers help solve cases every day. He’s calling on state lawmakers to ensure accountability.
“Technology already knows everything about all of us,” Judd said. “What we have to do in government is rein that in to make sure that it’s used appropriately.”