Companies Called for License Plate Privacy Standards
Tech firms seek new national data standards amid growing concerns over automated license plate reader surveillance.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Rekor Systems has requested the implementation of industry standards for automated license plate reader data privacy. The move comes as Flock Safety, a major industry player, recently reduced its default data retention period for new customers.
Why it matters
The push for regulation stems from public concerns regarding privacy and the lack of restrictions on access to data collected by over 130,000 cameras across 49 states. Congressional representatives are currently considering potential legislation to restrict or ban the use of these devices.
Flock Safety has adjusted its default data retention period to seven days, down from the previous standard of 30 days. Currently, police users can search the system for vehicles without a warrant.
The players
Rekor Systems
A technology company based in Columbia, Maryland, that specializes in traffic management and public safety solutions.
Flock Safety
An Atlanta-based security company founded in 2017 that provides automated license plate recognition hardware and software to law enforcement.
The details
Automated license plate readers allow law enforcement to track vehicles via license plate numbers or physical descriptions. Rekor Systems, based in Columbia, Maryland, argues that setting industry-wide standards will help address ongoing privacy critiques.
Timeline
Flock Safety was founded in 2017.
Legal Context
The rise of automated license plate readers intersects with the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable search and seizure, as these devices monitor public movements. This push for data regulation follows a pattern of legal challenges questioning whether widespread automated surveillance constitutes a search under current privacy laws.
The adoption of stricter data retention policies by companies like Flock Safety may limit how long law enforcement can access historical tracking records of the public. Residents may see changes in local privacy ordinances as federal lawmakers weigh potential bans on these tracking technologies.
The takeaway
Privacy advocates are increasingly highlighting the gap between rapid technological adoption by police and the slow evolution of legislative oversight. Establishing clear data retention standards is a primary step in balancing public safety efforts with personal privacy expectations.
Further reading
For more information on current surveillance policies, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBAL.
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Should police be required to obtain a warrant before searching automated license plate reader data?
