EFF urges states to require warrants for police searches of stored ALPR data

What happened

The EFF calls on courts and state legislatures to require police to obtain a warrant before searching stored automated license‑plate‑reader (ALPR) data. The post cites numerous examples of warrantless searches used to profile ethnic groups, monitor protesters, investigate abortions, target immigrants, and stalk individuals. It argues that a warrant requirement would add judicial oversight and protect privacy.

Why it matters for trust and compliance

• Its status is announced. It is not law yet. Track it, but do not treat it as an obligation.
• A warrant requirement would place an independent judicial check on location‑tracking surveillance, safeguarding personal privacy.

Who is affected

Recommended actions

1. Review consent, cookie and tracking practices against the requirement.
2. Check that privacy notices describe the practices this addresses.
3. Map the security requirements to existing controls and close gaps.
4. Inventory AI or automated decision systems in scope and their assessments.