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381

Flock Leaked Cops’ License Plate Searches via DuckDuckGo, Bing (www.404media.co)

submitted 5 hours ago by FundMECFS@piefed.zip to c/technology@lemmy.world

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Flock, the automatic license plate reader (ALPR) company, exposed some of the license plate cops were looking for and the reason for doing so.

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[–] Dojan@pawb.social 71 points 4 hours ago (2 children)

They're little computers with cameras that capture everything. I think some of these types of devices run Android. Many are very poorly secured, like the article suggests. A "license plate reader" sounds like it only reads license plates, these are surveillance platforms, with cameras and microphones. They can be accessed remotely to do more than just read a license plate.

I'm thinking the person says that couching it as a license plate reader is disingenuous, because it doesn't really convey the gravity of what the devices are capable of.

[–] extremeboredom@lemmy.world 9 points 2 hours ago

Yes, ALPR is a term used for the purpose of public relations. It does not accurately describe the technology.

[–] greyscale@lemmy.grey.ooo 17 points 3 hours ago

They're Android. And they're hella insecure. And hilariously jankilly implemented. I'd be ashamed if this was my states state surveillance infrastructure.