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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 9 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

MapQuest surveillance camera location feature

Overview

MapQuest has introduced a ‘Surveillance Layer’ to its navigation app, enabling users to identify the locations of outdoor surveillance cameras and automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). The feature uses icons to indicate camera presence and direction, displaying data from providers such as Flock Safety, Axon, Motorola Solutions, and Genetec.

The app’s data appears to be sourced from crowdsourced projects like DeFlock, which tracks approximately 144,000 cameras across the United States. While the feature provides visibility into surveillance technology, it does not currently offer functionality to route users away from these locations.

The rollout occurs amid significant debate regarding privacy and the legality of mass surveillance. Critics suggest that the collection of vehicle data, including make, model, and location history, may infringe upon Fourth Amendment protections, whereas proponents maintain these systems are vital tools for law enforcement.

Entities

MapQuest · Flock Safety · Motorola Solutions · Axon · DeFlock

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    MapQuest adds surveillance camera locations to mobile app

    MapQuest has launched a “Surveillance Layer” in its app, enabling users to see the locations and directions of license plate readers and other outdoor surveillance cameras.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 7 sources
    MapQuest adds feature to reveal license plate reader locations

    MapQuest has launched a feature revealing the locations of automatic license plate readers, such as Flock Safety cameras, amid growing privacy concerns regarding mass surveillance technology.

Sources

breitbart.com · businessinsider.nl · cnet.com · csusmchronicle.com · dijitaliyidir.com · primanews.org · san.com · thegardenmagazine.com · zdnet.co.uk