The hidden risk of license plate scanners on the road
The hidden risk of license plate scanners on the road
Anna Schecter joins “CBS Mornings Plus” to explain how automated license plate readers have mistakenly flagged innocent drivers, leading to wrongful police stops and what you can do to protect yourself.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article highlights the potential risks of ALPRs, focusing on wrongful stops. While the core concern is valid, the presentation leans towards a negative perspective. Some claims lack specific verification from the provided sources, resulting in a mixed accuracy score.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Automated license plate readers have mistakenly flagged innocent drivers.
- Verification Source #1: The Brennan Center report discusses the widespread use of ALPRs and the potential for ongoing surveillance, implying a risk of misuse or error.
- Verification Source #3: Flock Safety promotes ALPRs as a security measure to detect 'risk vehicles,' suggesting the potential for misidentification if the system isn't accurate.
- Assessment: Supported, though the extent of 'mistakenly flagged' is not quantified by the sources.
- Claim: Mistaken flagging leads to wrongful police stops.
- Verification Source #1: The Brennan Center report discusses the legal and policy implications of ALPRs, suggesting that without proper regulation, wrongful stops are a potential consequence.
- Assessment: Supported, as the potential for wrongful stops is a logical consequence of inaccurate flagging.
- Claim: There are hidden risks associated with license plate scanners.
- Verification Source #5: Gtechna claims that there are 'no hidden risks' associated with LPR in parking enforcement and management, which contradicts the claim.
- Assessment: Contradicted. One source directly refutes the claim of hidden risks, at least in the context of parking enforcement.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Gtechna (source 5) states 'no hidden risks are associated with LPR in parking enforcement and management', contradicting the article's title and central premise.