HARRISBURG – Several state lawmakers plan to introduce bipartisan legislation establishing statewide privacy and accountability protections for automated license plate reader systems, including Flock Safety cameras. License plate readers are becoming increasingly common across PA. While the technology can assist law enforcement in recovering stolen vehicles and solving crimes, its expansion raises questions about personal information, privacy, and civil liberties. Reports from around the country have documented concerns about misuse, including instances in which individuals with authorized access allegedly used the data to stalk former partners, track acquaintances, or conduct searches for personal reasons. The proposal would establish safeguards designed to protect Pennsylvanians’ personal information and civil liberties, including rules governing access, documented reasons for searches, audit trails, data retention standards, and transparency. It would also establish civil penalties for unauthorized access, use, or disclosure; allow individuals harmed by misuse to bring a civil action; and authorize the PA Attorney General and county district attorneys to investigate violations and bring civil enforcement actions.
