arstechnica.com 9 days ago URGENCY: 6/10

FBI Seeks Nationwide License Plate Camera Access

The FBI is planning to acquire nationwide access to license plate readers for real-time tracking. This controversial move raises significant privacy concerns across the U.S.

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FBI Seeks Nationwide License Plate Camera Access

FBI's Ambitious License Plate Reader Plan

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced its intention to purchase access to a vast network of license plate readers (LPRs) across the United States. This initiative aims to enhance the agency's ability to evaluate and manage threats to public safety by providing near real-time data from cameras nationwide.

The FBI's Request for Proposals (RFP) outlines that the winning contractors must ensure coverage of at least 75% of locations and offer comprehensive search capabilities, including:

  • Access to vehicle descriptions and geo-location data
  • Notifications for search results
  • Mapping capabilities to visualize camera coverage
Potential bidders like Flock and Motorola Solutions are well-positioned to fulfill these requirements, with contracts potentially worth up to $36 million over five years. However, this move has sparked a debate about privacy and the implications of increased surveillance on citizens.