On some of Wisconsin’s roads, law enforcement are using AI-powered cameras to photograph cars. And some communities are concerned about the cameras’ use as a powerful government surveillance tool and their potential for misuse.
In addition to reading license plates, these cameras — made by the company Flock Safety — can also register car color, make and model, stickers, damage and other identifying characteristics. That information is uploaded to a database that can be accessed by police departments and federal agencies nationwide.
Last month, the Verona Common Council voted not to renew their contract with Flock after receiving a flood of public comments opposing the cameras. Council President Mara Helmke said that residents pointed to a lack of transparency around how the cameras were being used…