Advocates Warn Drivers of "Indiscriminate Surveillance"

March 20, 2026 • 16:17

Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) are increasingly deployed across Massachusetts, with Flock Safety cameras logging vehicle data in Hyannis and Dennis. The Mass. State Police also operate ALPR cameras on major bridges, though they refuse to disclose security-sensitive data. Privacy advocates like the ACLU and EFF decry this as indiscriminate surveillance, warning of potential misuse without warrants or probable cause. Examples from other states show ALPR data used for tracking individuals for non-criminal investigations or personal vendettas. While Flock claims data security and customer control, concerns persist regarding warrantless access and potential federal data sharing with agencies like ICE. Massachusetts remains one of the few states without specific ALPR regulations, leaving a legal gray area for privacy protections.

Read the article at Provincetown Independent