NetChoice Report Refutes Misinformation About License Plate Recognition Technology

New presentation explains LPR technology, debunks myths and reveals a tool that solves crime and protects Americans while respecting privacy

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Automated license plate recognition (LPR) technology is a powerful, lawful tool that helps solve crimes and protect victims in a manner that respects drivers' privacy, according to a new interactive presentation published by NetChoice.

The presentation (netchoice.org/LPRFacts) offers a direct rebuttal to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) presentation that fueled false fears about LPR technology through speculation and outright misinformation. LPR opponents are now using the misleading ACLU presentation to push for anti-LPR laws at state and federal levels.

"When you strip away the misinformation and speculation, you're left with a technology that works exactly as intended and poses no credible threat to privacy," DelBianco said. "Legislated technology mandates are typically bad ideas, but they're even worse when they restrict technology that's helping public safety officials in communities across the country."

The presentation confirms that LPR is not equipped to identify drivers, since the cameras used for LPR are designed to focus on license plates, not windshields.  LPR technology does not "track" drivers, but rather simply records plates – which are by their very nature public. It also details the strong legal framework that already protects the privacy of vehicle owners, as well as the narrow and limited nature of LPR cameras and databases.

The presentation also reveals that contrary to ACLU claims, access to personal information about owners and drivers is already tightly restricted by the federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act.

Finally, the presentation details real world instances in which LPR data has been used to catch criminals and rescue crime victims, such as an abducted child.

NetChoice is a public policy advocacy organization that promotes Internet innovation and communication and fights threats to online commerce at state, federal and international levels. The Washington, DC-based group protects Internet commerce-driven competition and battles rules that hinder consumer choice and hurt small businesses. For more information, see www.netchoice.org.

SOURCE NetChoice

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