U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has defended the use of automated license plate readers across the country, dismissing concerns that the surveillance technology could threaten Americans’ privacy as “misinformation” amid growing scrutiny from lawmakers and civil liberties advocates.
Speaking at a press conference in Florida on Friday, where he announced a $74 million federal investment in the state, Blanche argued that automated license plate readers do not currently pose a threat to citizens’ privacy. He acknowledged, however, that advances in the technology could eventually require additional scrutiny and safeguards.
“The technology around license plate readers does not affect the privacy of American citizens,” Blanche said. “It may someday, and if the technology advances to where we need to take a look at it and figure out a way to address and draw it back, we should do that.”
His comments come as automated license plate recognition technology has become a growing subject of national debate, particularly over how law enforcement agencies collect, store and share information about motorists.
The technology uses cameras installed along roads, highways, parking areas and other public locations to capture vehicle registration numbers. The information is then stored in databases that can allow law enforcement agencies to search vehicle movements and identify where particular cars have been seen.
Privacy advocates warn that the widespread collection of such information could enable authorities or private companies to track individuals’ movements without sufficient judicial oversight. They also argue that the data could be misused, shared beyond its original purpose or accessed by agencies without adequate safeguards.
One of the largest companies operating in the sector, Flock Safety, has faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and local authorities in recent months. Concerns about its surveillance network have prompted several governors and local governments to suspend or reconsider the use of its technology.
Opposition to automated license plate readers has emerged across the political spectrum, with both Democrats and Republicans questioning the implications for constitutional protections and individual freedoms.
In August, the National Rifle Association raised concerns that surveillance cameras installed near gun shops could effectively create unofficial registries of firearm owners by recording vehicles belonging to frequent visitors. The organization warned that such information could potentially be used to identify and monitor people exercising their constitutional rights.
Immigration policy has also become a major part of the debate. Advocacy groups have warned that automated license plate databases could help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) monitor the movements of immigrants without permanent legal status, potentially facilitating surveillance and arrests.
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties have supported efforts to restrict federal funding for municipalities using the technology. Representative Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, and Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, have backed proposals to cut federal financial support for local governments deploying automated license plate readers, citing concerns about privacy and potential abuse.
In September, Senators Katie Britt, a Republican from Alabama, and Raphael Warnock, a Democrat from Georgia, sent Blanche a letter urging the Justice Department to establish clear guidelines to prevent the misuse of license plate recognition systems.
The senators called for stronger safeguards governing how the technology is deployed and how information collected through surveillance networks is accessed and used. Their offices did not respond to requests for comment on whether Blanche had formally replied to the letter.
Blanche’s latest remarks drew criticism from Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat and prominent privacy advocate, who accused the administration of dismissing legitimate concerns about the expanding surveillance infrastructure.
Wyden pointed to cases in which automated license plate readers allegedly contributed to women being stalked and individuals being wrongfully arrested. He argued that the technology’s potential for misuse demonstrates why stronger oversight is necessary.
“The only misinformation about Flock is Todd Blanche’s claim that AI-powered surveillance cameras don’t impact Americans’ privacy,” Wyden said in a statement.
“The Trump-Vance administration remains completely out of touch with Americans’ concerns,” he added.
The disagreement highlights a broader policy challenge facing the United States as law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence and other automated surveillance tools.
Supporters argue that license plate readers can help police investigate serious crimes, locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects and respond more quickly to emergencies. However, critics say the benefits must be weighed against the risks of creating extensive records of ordinary people’s movements.
Blanche’s comments suggest that the Justice Department currently sees no immediate need to impose additional restrictions on the technology. But growing bipartisan pressure, questions over data-sharing practices and concerns about private surveillance networks could intensify demands for federal standards governing how license plate information is collected, retained and accessed.
