Retailers and Law Enforcement Partner on License Plate Readers Amidst Misuse Concerns

Home Depot and Lowe's have partnered with Flock Safety to install Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) cameras in their parking lots. These cameras record license plates, along with additional information about passing vehicles, such as bumper stickers or aftermarket wheels. The data is then used by law enforcement agencies to prevent theft and protect public safety.

However, an investigation has revealed that while Home Depot claims not to share its data with federal law enforcement, it does so indirectly through local police departments. Lowe's, on the other hand, shares its data with both local and out-of-state police agencies.

Flock Safety has stated that its technology helped expose a $20 million money laundering operation using gift cards from Home Depot and Lowe's. However, civil rights experts and private citizens have raised concerns about the misuse of this data, including cases where it was used to stalk romantic interests or investigate individuals for abortions.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has obtained records showing that the Johnson County, Texas Sheriff's Office can access data from over 170 Lowe's locations, many outside of Texas. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also found that Flock retains the right to share data with federal agencies, even when local police opt out.

The Institute for Justice is launching an initiative called The Plate Privacy Project to pressure legislators to improve safeguards and increase transparency around the use of Flock cameras.