MapQuest Adds a Layer Showing Known License Plate Readers

MapQuest has added a Surveillance Layer to the map options in its Android and iOS apps. The feature shows locations of known automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and other outdoor surveillance cameras.

According to MapQuest’s announcement, the layer includes devices from Flock Safety, Motorola Solutions (Vigilant), Genetec, Axis Communications, Axon, Leonardo (ELSAG), Neology, Rekor, PlateSmart, Ubicquia and Verkada. MapQuest represents each location with a red eye symbol.

Flock has more than 120,000 cameras installed around the US, according to the source article. The article says the number of cameras may make it difficult to avoid them completely.

Flock argues that ALPRs help prevent crime, cover more ground than police officers can on their own and help dispatch law enforcement resources more effectively. Critics raise concerns about people with access using the technology to track members of the public without permission, data being shared with government agencies without proper oversight, and systems being hacked. The article says unauthorized tracking incidents have happened multiple times and prompted public backlash.

Online reactions to MapQuest’s move have been mostly positive, the article reports. Some commenters said they planned to switch to MapQuest or had already done so.