More Americans Oppose Police License Plate Cameras Than Support Them, Survey Finds

Public opposition to automated license plate readers appears to have reached a tipping point. A new survey reveals that more Americans now oppose these surveillance cameras than support them, signaling a notable shift in public sentiment toward police monitoring technologies. According to a YouGov survey of 20,000 U.S. adults, shared exclusively with The Washington Post, 46% of respondents said they opposed the use of license plate readers in their communities, while 38% expressed support. This marks a significant reversal from the previous year, when a majority of respondents favored the technology. Flock Safety, one of the most prominent providers of license plate recognition systems, operates over 120,000 cameras across the United States, capable of tracking vehicle movements in real time. The company has faced growing controversy following reports of police misuse of its surveillance network, prompting dozens of communities to reject or cancel contracts with the firm amid privacy concerns. The survey also found that a majority of respondents did not believe the cameras would make them feel safer—a key factor driving the decline in approval. In response to the findings, Flock stated that support for its technology remains broad, but acknowledged that "support isn't unconditional." The company pointed to recent safeguards it has introduced, including data retention limits and access controls. However, civil liberties groups such as the ACLU argue these measures are insufficient and that Flock's systems continue to pose a serious threat to privacy rights. The backlash has intensified in recent weeks, with incidents of vandalism targeting Flock cameras reported across the country. Last week, Flock CEO Garrett Langley called for a "compromise" between surveillance and privacy, signaling a potential shift in the company's approach as public pressure mounts. As the debate over surveillance technology continues into 2026, this survey underscores a growing demand for greater accountability and transparency in how law enforcement uses automated monitoring tools.

via TechCrunch