Speed Signs May Be Watching You

Speed Signs May Be Watching You

Like many, I always slow down instinctively when approaching an LED speed detecting sign. Even though I was sure that they were just a reminder to drive safely and obey the posted speed, there was always something in the back of my mind saying that someone could use them to monitor my driving. As it turns out, that small paranoid part of may have been a little bit right.

A government contract has recently come to light between the DEA and a company called RU2 Systems, whose primary business is the production of radar speed displays. the company will begin production on new hardware that will fit onto new and existing speed displays that will monitor and store license plate information.

This may seem a little Orwellian at first glance, but the DEA is assuring the public that it will be used exclusively to track known drug traffickers, money launderers, and other high profile criminal's activities. They will be in a the highest concentration in southern border regions areas designated as "drug and money trafficking corridors."

This is creating a lot of controversy, especially in states that have disallowed the use of license plate readers in the past. Privacy advocates are especially nonplused.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation released a statement regarding this issue:

"ALPR data can paint an intimate portrait of a driver's life and even chill First Amendment protected activity. ALPR technology can be used to target drivers who visit sensitive places such as health centers, immigration clinics, gun shops, union halls, protests, or centers of religious worship."

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Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: msn.com