Ohio cities restrict license plate reader technology amid privacy and misuse concerns

Automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology is facing increased scrutiny and restriction in Ohio cities following concerns over privacy and officer misuse.

In Ironton, the City Council passed a 4-3 measure to ban the use of ALPR technology and related services by government entities within city limits. Proponents of the ban, including Councilman Troy Scott, argued the legislation is necessary to protect citizens from “big-tech surveillance” and artificial intelligence monitoring.

In Columbus, authorities have suspended the use of Flock camera systems following an investigation into officer misconduct. An officer, Melvin Tellis, is accused of searching a single license plate more than 270 times over a 14-month period for vague reasons. Mayor Andrew Ginther described the allegations as “deeply troubling.” The city has halted data collection by covering the cameras and is conducting an audit of all Flock searches conducted by the police department while drafting new governing legislation.