Beyond the ALPR backlash: SIA calls for safeguards, not restrictions

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) is urging lawmakers to focus on accountability and oversight of automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems rather than restrictions that could diminish a critical public safety tool. 

The association recently released a policy framework outlining best practices for ALPR governance, data retention and access controls as states consider new legislation. The guidance comes amid growing scrutiny of ALPR providers, including Flock Safety, and heightened public concern over privacy, surveillance and data-sharing practices. 

"Certainly, it's a response to a lot of what we've heard and seen in the last two months," said Jake Parker, SIA's senior director of government relations. "The public discussion of this is having real-world impact." 

Seven states passed ALPR legislation during the most recent legislative session, reflecting growing interest in establishing guardrails around the technology, according to SIA. 

Governance and accountability 

Recent criticism of ALPR systems has centered on governance rather than the technology itself. Incidents involving unauthorized access to ALPR data have prompted calls for stronger oversight and transparency. 

SIA's recommendations include audit logs, access controls, cybersecurity protections and policies governing data retention and information sharing. Parker said robust auditing remains one of the most effective safeguards against misuse. 

"Having a strong audit process in place and strong internal access controls is the most effective way to make sure that we don't have misuse of the technology," he said. 

Addressing surveillance concerns 

Parker challenged characterizations of ALPR systems as tools for mass surveillance, arguing that collecting license plate information is not the same as actively tracking individuals. 

"The reality is that collecting information doesn't mean a vehicle is being tracked, monitored or queried," he said. 

At the same time, Parker said reasonable limits on data retention remain an important safeguard against future misuse. 

"If you have a record that goes back many years held by the government, then that could be something that could be ripe for misuse in the future," Parker said. 

Looking ahead 

One of SIA’s biggest concerns is that the calls to eliminate or severely restrict ALPR systems could undermine law enforcement's ability to investigate crimes and respond to public safety threats. 

"I've had law enforcement professionals tell me this is the most important technology tool they have access to for solving crimes and addressing public safety situations," Parker said. 

Manufacturers, integrators and end users all share responsibility for safeguarding privacy and maintaining public trust through clear policies and transparent practices. 

“All of these concerns can generally be mitigated with the right controls in place,” Parker said. “We don't have to resort to banning the technology to address them.” 

Related: Flock tightens privacy, accountability safeguards for ALPR platform