US school‑bus cameras and license‑plate readers face privacy backlash

A company called BusPatrol has installed AI‑powered cameras on more than 40,000 school buses in 24 states, claiming the system will catch "stop‑arm" violators. The technology records every license plate that passes the bus, logs GPS location, and shares the data with law enforcement, reportedly without a warrant. Critics say the plan would turn buses into mobile surveillance tools that could be abused.

Separate investigations show that Flock Safety’s automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs) are also being used beyond their original public‑safety purpose. Police agencies have employed the cameras to enforce school‑district residency rules, conduct background checks, and even address minor complaints such as noise violations. The expanded use creates searchable databases of vehicle movements, raising concerns about mission creep and the lack of judicial oversight.

Both initiatives illustrate growing privacy worries about the deployment of pervasive surveillance technology in everyday settings, prompting calls for stronger regulations and transparency.