Privacy advocates back Driver Privacy Act to curb license-plate reader data sharing

Multiple civil-liberty and public-defense organizations testified in support of House Bill 3755, the Driver Privacy Act, urging limits on automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems and third-party nationwide databases. Gideon Epstein of the ACLU of Massachusetts said ALPR systems create a "nationwide surveillance" capability that can be accessed without probable cause and can undercut the state's shield law protecting people seeking lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. "Dozens of Massachusetts police departments are currently participating," Epstein said, adding that ALPR data is "easily accessed by out-of-state law enforcement, all without any requirement to show probable cause."