PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – Automatic license plate readers like the one sitting on state Route 3 in Plattsburgh have been the subject of scrutiny nationwide, and now state lawmakers say those privacy concerns have prompted them to act.
In the Town of Plattsburgh, new Flock cameras continue to pop up, drawing mixed opinions from those working and living in the area.
“I think it is our right to know as citizens — especially being tax-paying citizens — knowing where our information is being fed to, and I think it is a cause for concern,” said local resident Jenna Ornelas.
“If it’s your property and you are trying to monitor vandalism, potential break-ins, things of that nature, it’s the new age. It’s what is going on,” said local resident Philip Corell.
So far, there are seven reported Flock cameras in town, all centered around the Champlain Centre Mall and Champlain Centre South, according to the website DeFlock, which tracks the placement of the cameras nationwide.
Unlike Vermont, New York has no state laws on the books regarding the use of automated license plate reader systems. North Country lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say that needs to change, citing concerns over privacy and use of the camera’s data.
“I really do believe New York state has to take a real serious look at this, the way artificial intelligence and other technologies are rapidly changing,” said Assemblyman Michael Cashman, assemblyman, D-N.Y. 115th District.
“We acknowledge the existence of the technology and appropriate use in some instances because again, I don’t think any of us want to live in a police state,” said Sen. Dan Stec, R-N.Y. 45th District.
Centre Mall officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment about what is done with the data collected by the cameras.
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