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Council extends license-plate reader pilot despite civil-liberties concerns
Summary
By an 8-3 vote the council approved continuing an automated license-plate-reader (ALPR) pilot while opponents warned the data could be subpoenaed and used to target immigrants, protesters and people seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care.
The Austin City Council voted 8-3 on Thursday to extend the city—s automated license-plate-reader (ALPR) pilot program, prompting a heated debate about surveillance, data sharing and civil liberties.
The vote: Councilmember Ryan Alter moved to extend the pilot (item 103); the motion was seconded by Councilmember Jose Velasquez and passed 8-3. Councilmembers Mike Siegel, Chito Cadrey and Natasha Harper Madison recorded no votes.
Why it mattered: Supporters said ALPRs are a law-enforcement tool that helps recover stolen vehicles, locate suspects and solve property and violent crimes. Opponents argued that, despite…
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