MapQuest now shows you Flock and other license plate reader cameras on your route
MapQuest said the new "surveillance layer" available on its mobile app finds "known license plate readers" from companies like Flock Safety.
TL;DR
- MapQuest's mobile app now includes a "surveillance layer" to locate automated license plate readers (ALPRs).
- The feature can identify cameras from companies such as Flock Safety, Axon Enterprise, Motorola Solutions, and PlateSmart.
- Users requested this feature, making it one of their top three requests.
- ALPRs capture vehicle data, including license plates, make, color, and model, for searchable databases.
- While initially used by law enforcement and retail for security, ALPRs face backlash due to privacy concerns and potential misuse of data.
- Some cities, like Tempe, Arizona, have terminated their ALPR contracts due to these concerns.
- Flock Safety states its cameras do not use facial recognition and that customers control data access, having reduced data retention from 30 to 7 days.
- MapQuest aims to stay relevant by leveraging current public discourse, previously gaining attention for rebuffing a directive to rename Lake Ontario.