The FBI’s plans to acquire nationwide access to automatic license plate readers faces scrutiny from House Democrats, according to a letter shared with Semafor.
“The FBI’s plan to obtain direct access to this extensive network of cameras raises the risk of substantial abuses of Americans’ data. The Committee requests information from the FBI to assist its oversight of law enforcement’s use of ALPR data,” wrote Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee subpanel overseeing federal law enforcement.
Casar expressed concern that controversial companies like Flock might be among those bidding for the contract, along with Motorola Solutions.
Although the FBI is under no obligation to respond to the Democratic-led letter, it sends a signal about future investigations if Democrats win the House majority.
Democrats also believe public pushback against surveillance could lead to bipartisan solutions with Republicans.