#automated license plate reader data

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

States across the country have banned or restricted access to abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year. A new Illinois law will ensure police cannot use data from license plate readers to track people traveling into the state for reproductive healthcare.

Sponsors told reporters in June that some Republican-led states have used automatic license plate readers as a tool to hunt down people seeking abortion and other reproductive healthcare.

"We created an island on which every human being is recognized and given the dignity of controlling their own body and their own destiny," said Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago). "That includes people who are traveling into the state of Illinois to seek legal healthcare services."

The legislation prohibits sharing of data or allowing law enforcement to use the information to criminalize anyone coming into or out of Illinois for healthcare.

"We are not initiating laws simply for ideological purposes," said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. "The health and safety of individuals seeking critical reproductive healthcare is real and it's directly at stake."

House Bill 3326 also bans the use of data from license plate readers to detain people based on their immigration status.

The Secretary of State's office said police will still be allowed to use these cameras to look for suspects in violent crimes, carjackings, and auto theft. However, law enforcement will be required to sign an agreement noting that they will only use license plate readers for those reasons.

"We will continue to protect women and people not only with essential abortion care and reproductive care, but also gender affirming care," said Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

Giannoulias said no one deserves government intervention when they abide by laws and freedoms guaranteed in Illinois. The Democrat stressed that the automatic license plate readers need to be regulated to ensure people aren't criminalized for lawful behavior.

House Bill 3326 passed out of the House on a partisan 72-39 vote on May 10. The legislation later passed out of the Senate on a partisan 39-15 vote on May 19.

The new law takes effect on January 1, 2024.

[california-slow-take]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — More than 70 California law enforcement agencies are violating state law by sharing automated license plate reader (ALPR) data with out-of-state agencies, putting out-of-state abortion seekers at risk, according to a trio of civil rights groups.

...

“Idaho, for example, has enacted a law that makes helping a pregnant minor get an abortion in another state punishable by two to five years in prison,” according to an EFF statement. “The agencies that received the demand letters have shared ALPR data with law enforcement agencies across the country, including agencies in states with abortion restrictions including Alabama, Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.”

In addition to the Folsom Police Department, law enforcement agencies on the list include ones in Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Merced, Orange, Placer, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Solano, Ventura and Yolo counties.

[aanews69]

The Hidden Dangers of Traffic Cameras: What You Must Know Join us as we delve into the hidden dangers of traffic cameras and automated license plate readers (ALPRs) across the nation. Immerse yourself in the compelling tale of Tamara Clayton, whose tragic story ignited a nationwide debate on surveillance, privacy, and data collection. Uncover how ALPRs, far more sophisticated than regular traffic cameras, capture not just speeding tickets but also link to vast law enforcement databases, raising questions about transparency and privacy. Embark on a voyage through Illinois' sprawling camera network, exploring its expansion and the ethical implications of surveillance. Discover the balance between safety and privacy, as well as the unintended biases that might target specific communities. This narrative journey invites you to engage with these pressing societal questions. Feedback wanted! Share your thoughts in the comments and help shape the conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to stay informed on more thought-provoking topics each week. #news #metrocouncil #privacyconcerns #losangelescrime #volusiacounty #licenseplatereaders #surveillancestate #crime #digitalprivacy #traffic CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:38 - Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act 01:17 - How ALPRs Work 02:31 - Transparency and Accountability in Traffic Enforcement 04:48 - Do Traffic Cameras Improve Road Safety? 06:02 - Arguments Against Traffic Cameras 07:07 - Privacy Concerns with ALPR Technology 08:42 - Equity and Racial Disparities in Traffic Enforcement 09:24 - Impact of ALPRs on the Average Person 09:58 - Actions We Can Take Regarding ALPRs 10:28 - How to Influence ALPR Usage Policies 11:10 - Future of Traffic Monitoring: Distracted Driving Cameras 11:56 - Outro Subscribe👇: https://sub.dnpl.us/AANEWS/ - Want some Great Buys check out our List: https://bestbuys.vista.page/ - All our links (including those to help with editing): https://sleek.bio/aanews69 - Our Patreon (Great Deal) https://www.patreon.com/DNPLServices - #aanews, #aanews69, #news,

[gabrieldespinoza]

Victorville's ALPR System Proves Effective in Crime Reduction Amidst Privacy Concerns

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — With the final phase of the Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) program concluding last year, Victorville authorities are reporting a substantial impact on crime detection within the city. Data from the ALPR system was presented to the City Council covering the 2023 year, which marked the program’s final phase of the ALPR camera installment. Automated License…

[projects1o]

Enhancing Security with Custom Gates: How Gate Manufacturers Are Meeting Modern Security Needs

In an era where security concerns are paramount, the demand for innovative solutions has never been higher. One such area that has witnessed remarkable advancements in the field of custom gates. As essential barriers in various environments, from residential complexes to commercial spaces, custom gates play a pivotal role in ensuring security and controlling access. In this blog post, we will explore how gate manufacturer are meeting modern security needs by creating tailored solutions to enhance safety and streamline operations. We will delve into the evolution of custom gates, their role in parking systems, and how security system suppliers are shaping the future of secure access.

Evolution of Custom Gates: From Basic Barriers to High-Tech Security Solutions

Custom gates have come a long way since their inception as simple barriers. Today, they are sophisticated security systems tailored to meet specific needs. Gate manufacturers have embraced cutting-edge technologies to design gates that not only provide security but also enhance the overall aesthetics of the environment they are installed.

Modern custom gates have advanced access control mechanisms such as RFID card readers, biometric scanners, and license plate recognition systems. These technologies allow for seamless and secure entry, ensuring that only authorized individuals gain access to a particular area. Whether it's a residential community, a corporate office, or a government facility, custom gates have become an integral part of the security infrastructure.

Custom Gates in Parking Systems: Streamlining Access and Ensuring Safety

Parking systems in bustling urban areas face the challenge of managing a high volume of vehicles efficiently. Custom gates play a crucial role in these systems by controlling entry and exit points, thus ensuring smooth traffic flow and optimal space utilization. Gate manufacturers have developed specialized parking gates designed to handle the demands of busy parking facilities. These gates are not only robust and durable but also equipped with sensors and automated mechanisms that enhance their functionality. Barrier gates, in particular, are widely used in parking systems to prevent unauthorized access and deter potential intruders. These barriers can be integrated with ticketing systems and license plate recognition technology, allowing for a seamless parking experience for both users and operators.

Collaboration with Security System Suppliers: A Symbiotic Relationship

The synergy between gate manufacturers and security system suppliers has paved the way for innovative solutions that address evolving security challenges. Security system suppliers provide state-of-the-art technologies such as CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and access control software, which complement the capabilities of custom gates.

Integrating these technologies with custom gates results in comprehensive security solutions that offer real-time monitoring, data analysis, and actionable insights. For example, license plate recognition systems can be linked to custom gates and CCTV cameras, enabling automatic identification of vehicles and their occupants. This integration enhances security measures, allowing for immediate response in case of any suspicious activities.

Meeting Modern Security Needs: Tailored Solutions for Every Environment

One of the key strengths of custom gates is their versatility. Gate manufacturers understand that different environments have unique security requirements. Residential communities may prioritize aesthetics and user-friendliness, while industrial complexes may require heavy-duty gates with advanced intrusion detection capabilities. Recognizing these diverse needs, gate manufacturers collaborate closely with clients to design tailored solutions that align with their specific security goals.

Custom gates are available in various materials, including steel, aluminium, and wrought iron, allowing clients to choose options that blend seamlessly with the architectural aesthetics of their premises. Additionally, gate manufacturers offer a wide range of designs, from classic to contemporary, ensuring that clients can find gates that not only provide security but also enhance the visual appeal of their properties.

The Green Revolution: Sustainable Solutions for Modern Security Needs

In addition to their advanced technology and tailored designs, modern custom gates are also embracing sustainable practices. With the growing awareness of environmental conservation, gate manufacturers are incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies into their designs. This green approach not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings for clients in the long run.

Solar-powered custom gates are a prime example of sustainable solutions in the realm of security. By harnessing the power of the sun, these gates reduce dependency on conventional energy sources, leading to lower carbon emissions and decreased energy bills. Furthermore, the use of recycled materials in gate construction minimizes the environmental impact associated with manufacturing processes.

Addressing Security Challenges in the Digital Age: Cybersecurity and Custom Gates

As we embrace the digital age, custom gates are becoming increasingly connected and reliant on software-driven systems. While this connectivity enhances functionality and convenience, it also introduces new challenges related to cybersecurity. Gate manufacturers, in collaboration with cybersecurity experts, are working diligently to fortify these systems against potential cyber threats.

Implementing robust encryption protocols, regular security updates, and multi-factor authentication mechanisms are some of the strategies employed to safeguard custom gates from cyber-attacks. Manufacturers are also investing in research and development to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities, ensuring that their products remain resilient in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and IoT: Shaping the Future of Custom Gates

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing the way custom gates operate. AI-powered gate systems can analyze patterns, detect anomalies, and even predict potential security breaches in real time. This proactive approach allows for immediate responses, preventing security incidents before they occur.

IoT technology enables custom gates to communicate and share data with other connected devices, creating an interconnected ecosystem of security. For instance, a custom gate integrated with IoT sensors can relay information about traffic patterns to optimize gate opening and closing times, reducing congestion and improving overall efficiency. Such intelligent systems not only enhance security but also contribute to a smoother and more streamlined user experience.c

Conclusion

In the ever-changing landscape of security challenges, custom gates have emerged as indispensable tools for ensuring safety, controlling access, and streamlining operations. The collaboration between gate manufacturers and security system supplier has resulted in innovative solutions that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of different environments. From residential complexes to commercial spaces and parking system, custom gates have proven their effectiveness in enhancing security measures.

The evolution of custom gates and their integration with cutting-edge security systems represent a significant leap forward in modern security solutions. As we progress, the collaboration between gate manufacturers and security system suppliers will continue to drive innovation, ensuring that our communities remain safe and secure in the face of evolving security challenges. Custom gates are not just physical barriers; they are gateways to a safer and more secure future.

[wearethesame77]

https://l.smartnews.com/p-gbuZn/waCFWN

More than 70 California law enforcement agencies are violating state law by sharing automated license plate reader (ALPR) data with out-of-state agencies, putting out-of-state abortion seekers at risk, according to a trio of civil rights groups.

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Seventy-one California police agencies in 22 counties must immediately stop sharing automated license plate reader (ALPR) data with law enforcement agencies in other states because it violates California law and could enable prosecution of abortion seekers and providers elsewhere, three civil liberties groups demanded Thursday in letters to those agencies.

The letters from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California (ACLU NorCal), and the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU SoCal) gave the agencies a deadline of June 15 to comply and respond. A months-long EFF investigation involving hundreds of public records requests uncovered that many California police departments share records containing detailed driving profiles of local residents with out-of-state agencies.

ALPR camera systems collect and store location information about drivers, including dates, times, and locations. This sensitive information can reveal where individuals work, live, associate, worship—or seek reproductive health services and other medical care.

“ALPRs invade people’s privacy and violate the rights of entire communities, as they often are deployed in poor and historically overpoliced areas regardless of crime rates,” said EFF Staff Attorney Jennifer Pinsof. “Sharing ALPR data with law enforcement in states that criminalize abortion undermines California’s extensive efforts to protect reproductive health privacy.”

The letters note how the nation’s legal landscape has changed in the past year.

“Particularly since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, ALPR technology and the information it collects is vulnerable to exploitation against people seeking, providing, and facilitating access to abortion,” the letters say. “Law enforcement officers in anti-abortion jurisdictions who receive the locations of drivers collected by California-based ALPRs may seek to use that information to monitor abortion clinics and the vehicles seen around them and closely track the movements of abortion seekers and providers. This threatens even those obtaining or providing abortions in California, since several anti-abortion states plan to criminalize and prosecute those who seek or assist in out-of-state abortions.”

Idaho, for example, has enacted a law that makes helping a pregnant minor get an abortion in another state punishable by two to five years in prison.

The agencies that received the demand letters have shared ALPR data with law enforcement agencies across the country, including agencies in states with abortion restrictions including Alabama, Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Since 2016, sharing any ALPR data with out-of-state or federal law enforcement agencies is a violation of the California Civil Code (SB 34). Nevertheless, many agencies continue to use services such as Vigilant Solutions or Flock Safety to make the ALPR data they capture available to out-of-state and federal agencies.

California law enforcement’s sharing of ALPR data with law enforcement in states that criminalize abortion also undermines California’s extensive efforts to protect reproductive health privacy, specifically a 2022 law (AB 1242) prohibiting state and local agencies from providing abortion-related information to out-of-state agencies.

For one of the new letters from EFF, ACLU NorCal, and ACLU SoCal: https://eff.org/document/sample-alpr-demand-letter-tracy-police-department

For information on how ALPRs threaten abortion access: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/09/automated-license-plate-readers-threaten-abortion-access-heres-how-policymakers

For general information about ALPRs: https://www.eff.org/pages/automated-license-plate-readers-alpr

Agencies that received the demand letters include:

• Alhambra Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Antioch Police Department (Contra Costa County)

• Arcadia Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Beaumont Police Department (Riverside County)

• Brawley Police Department (Imperial County)

• Brentwood Police Department (Contra Costa County)

• Buena Park Police Department (Orange County)

• Burbank Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Chino Police Department (San Bernardino County)

• Clovis Police Department (Fresno County)

• Cypress Police Department (Orange County)

• Desert Hot Springs Police Department (Riverside County)

• Downey Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• El Centro Police Department (Imperial County)

• El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (El Dorado County)

• Escondido Police Department (San Diego County)

• Folsom Police Department (Sacramento County)

• Fontana Police Department (San Bernardino County)

• Fountain Valley Police Department (Orange County)

• Garden Grove Police Department (Orange County)

• Gilroy Police Department (Santa Clara County)

• Hemet Police Department (Riverside County)

• Hercules Police Department (Contra Costa County)

• Hermosa Beach Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (Humboldt County)

• Imperial County Sheriff's Office (Imperial County)

• Imperial Police Department (Imperial County)

• Kern County Sheriff's Office (Kern County)

• Kings County Sheriff's Office (Kings County)

• La Habra Police Department (Orange County)

• La Palma Police Department (Orange County)

• Laguna Beach Police Department (Orange County)

• Lincoln Police Department (Placer County)

• Lodi Police Department (San Joaquin County)

• Madera Police Department (Madera County)

• Manteca Police Department (San Joaquin County)

• Menifee Police Department (Riverside County)

• Merced Police Department (Merced County)

• Montebello Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Monterey Park Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Murrieta Police Department (Riverside County)

• Novato Police Department (Marin County)

• Oakley Police Department (Contra Costa County)

• Ontario Police Department (San Bernardino County)

• Orange County Sheriff's Department (Orange County)

• Orange Police Department (Orange County)

• Oxnard Police Department (Ventura County)

• Palm Springs Police Department (Riverside County)

• Palos Verdes Estates Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Pasadena Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Pittsburg Police Department (Contra Costa County)

• Rio Vista Police Department (Solano County)

• Ripon Police Department (San Joaquin County)

• Riverside County Sheriff's Department (Riverside County)

• San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (San Bernardino County)

• San Bernardino Police Department (San Bernardino County)

• San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office (San Joaquin County)

• San Pablo Police Department (Contra Costa County)

• San Rafael Police Department (Marin County)

• San Ramon Police Department (Contra Costa County)

• Seal Beach Police Department (Orange County)

• Simi Valley Police Department (Ventura County)

• Stockton Police Department (San Joaquin County)

• Torrance Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Tracy Police Department (San Joaquin County)

• Tustin Police Department (Orange County)

• Walnut Creek Police Department (Contra Costa County)

• West Covina Police Department (Los Angeles County)

• Westminster Police Department (Orange County)

• Westmorland Police Department (Imperial County)

• Woodland Police Department (Yolo County)

That’s 71 agencies in 22 counties:

• 12 in Orange County

• 11 in Los Angeles County

• 8 in Contra Costa County

• 7 in Riverside County

• 6 in San Joaquin County

• 5 in San Bernardino County

• 5 in Imperial County

• 2 in Ventura County

• 2 in Marin County

• 1 each in El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Clara, Solano, and Yolo counties

[neccorporation]

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF THE BEST LOGISTICS SOLUTION

An efficient supply chain is the need of the hour. E-commerce businesses require logistics solutions to keep track of the goods. To keep the shipment secure and the supply chain efficient, logistics solutions are employed in operations. In this blog, we will take a look at the best logistics solutions available.

What are the features of the best logistics solution?

The best logistics solutions should reduce the manual effort in securing the supply chain. Advanced technologies can track the movement of the containers. They should also not involve too much expenditure for the business. Real-time access to information on the supply chain and logistics is needed to avoid problems, missing goods, etc.

Warehouses are an important part of supply chains. Verified access to them is very important as valuable goods are stored in them. Space utilization can be improved using warehouse management systems. Labor costs can be optimized to a great extent.

Technologies being used in logistics solution

Logistics solutions are increasingly becoming hi-tech. Technologies are making them more efficient. An example of this is hand-held terminals which are used in warehouses to perform checks. Hand-held terminals are also used to correct the inventory or do container data checks.

Barcoding is an age-old method to authenticate goods. In addition to this, RFID tags are used to keep track of the container movement and also the goods. AI and Machine Learning can be used to automate logistics solutions. Accurate and timely transfer of information can help initiate appropriate actions. This saves costs and increases efficiency also. Managers will be able to access tracking and delivery updates in real time.

About Gate Automation Solution

Gate automation solution is probably the smartest logistics solution available in the market today. The features of the solution are mentioned below.

Optical Character Recognition Interface – This technology allows users to automatically identify access points. The system also includes a truck license plate reader. It can also record still images and videos for damage control and identifying hazardous goods.

Face Recognition System – A face recognition system is used to authenticate the entry of a person to a warehousing facility.

Benefits of Gate Automation Solution

Any logistics solution should be able to provide security and better utilization of the workforce. Gate Automation Solution will be a game-changer for importers and exporters as it will ensure the attendance of the staff. Any unauthorized entry into a warehousing facility will be denied. Visibility of the consignments is ensured which helps to track them in real time.

There are plenty of other logistics solutions

Gate Automation Solution is not the only logistics solution in the market. Plenty of other logistics solutions are available. The solutions can help in simplifying the supply chains. They are end-to-end solutions that will help in managing the entire product journey. Automation is a feature that is present in all the solutions. Data analytics is used to predict the demands in near future.  

Logistics solutions of NECI

NECI is an IT supplier which has in its portfolio a number of logistic solutions. Gate Automation Solution, developed by NECI, has achieved a worldwide reputation for making the supply chain efficient. The other solutions available with NECI include Warehouse Management System, Yard Management System, Logistics Visualization System, and Touchless Access Control. The solutions of NECI make use of RFID tags, IoT, Data Analytics, and Facial Recognition Systems. The features of NECI’s Gate Automation Solution are given below.

Fastens the transaction time at the entry

Reduces the clearance time

Increases the security of the consignments

No unauthorized entry permitted

A single platform integrating all the applications

A one-stop solution to resolve and streamline the traffic flow

Reduces the congestion at the entry point

Improves Ease of Doing Business

Conclusion

As most businesses require an efficient supply chain, logistics solutions need to be smarter. The clearance and transaction time at the entries need to be faster for less congestion and smooth movement of the goods. Gate Automation Solution, developed by NECI, can achieve a lot for manufacturers as well as e-businesses. As they are worried about missing and damaged goods, safe and secure delivery of the shipment to a warehouse is possible with this solution.

To know more about Gateway Automation Solution is poised to change the landscape of logistics.

[tastydregs]

The danger of license plate readers in post-Roe America

Enlarge / A license-plate reader in California.

Since the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last month, America’s extensive surveillance state could soon be turned against those seeking abortions or providing abortion care.

Currently, nine states have almost entirely banned abortion, and more are expected to follow suit. Many Republican lawmakers in these states are discussing the possibility of preventing people from traveling across state lines to obtain an abortion. If such plans are enacted and withstand legal scrutiny, one of the key technologies that could be deployed to track people trying to cross state lines is automated license plate readers (ALPRs). They’re employed heavily by police forces across the US, but they’re also used by private actors.

ALPRs are cameras that are mounted on street poles, overpasses, and elsewhere that can identify and capture license plate numbers on passing cars for the purpose of issuing speeding tickets and tolls, locating stolen cars, and more. State and local police maintain databases of captured license plates and frequently use those databases in criminal investigations.

The police have access to not only license plate data collected by their own ALPRs but also data gathered by private companies. Firms like Flock Safety and Motorola Solutions have their own networks of ALPRs that are mounted to the vehicles of private companies and organizations they work with, such as car repossession outfits. Flock, for instance, claims it’s collecting license plate data in roughly 1,500 cities and can capture data from over a billion vehicles every month.

“They have fleets of cars that have ALPRs on them that just suck up data. They sell that to various clients, including repo firms and government agencies. They also sell them to police departments,” says Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst at the ACLU. “It’s a giant, nationwide mass surveillance system. That obviously has serious implications should interstate travel become part of forced-birth enforcement.”

In a statement to WIRED, a Flock Safety spokesperson said the company does not provide customer data to third parties. “We will never share or sell customer data to any third parties. While we cannot speak for any other vendors, we have never and will never sell data to repossession companies or third-party organizations, including anti-abortion groups," the company said.

However, anyone can become a first party by purchasing the company's cameras. (Its customers often include neighborhoods and home owners associations.) Flock Safety says its cameras are installed in more than 1,500 cities in 42 states, which are connected to Flock's centralized camera network. A March 2021 Vice investigation based on Flock-related emails obtained from nearly 20 police departments allows anyone who administers a Flock camera to “make the data Flock captures available to, say, the police, the home owner association's board, or the individual members of an entire neighborhood.” In addition to private customers, Flock has also reportedly partnered with hundreds of police departments across the US.

Motorola Solutions did not respond to a request for comment prior to publication.

[internet-woman]

Tweet from @parismartineau:

"why yes, i did purchase a hoodie that tricks automated license plate readers into injecting junk data into their systems specifically to make the surveillance state less effective, it’s called (adversarial) fashion baby!!"

Y'all, I need the bomber jacket.

It's literally called adversarial fashion, that's the brand.

https://adversarialfashion.com/

[azspot]

A new clothing line lets you camouflage yourself as a car to mess with surveillance cameras. The garments in the Adversarial Fashion collection are covered with license plate images that trigger automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, to inject junk data into systems used to monitor and track civilians.

ALPRs -- which are typically mounted on street poles, streetlights, highway overpasses and mobile trailers -- use networked surveillance cameras and image recognition to track license plate numbers, along with location, date and time.

Hacker and fashion designer Kate Rose showed off her inaugural line at the DefCon cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas over the weekend. It was inspired by a conversation with a friend who works at the Electronic Frontier Foundation about the "low specificity" or inaccuracy of a lot of plate readers on police cars.

The Adversarial Fashion garments, she said, highlight the need to make computer-controlled surveillance less invasive and harder to use without human oversight.

[aisera08-blog]

Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities - How Does It Make the City Smarter?

Smart cities are cities that use different types of electronic IoT to collect data and then use this data to manage assets and resources efficiently. Pune is a smart city situated in India; citizens who live in Pune don't need to rely on traditional forms of communication with their local utilities and service bodies. This has removed the pains of travelling to local governing departments and has completely eliminated the need for long queues and registration processes. The Pune Municipal Cooperation (PMC) uses artificial intelligent chatbots to help these processes along.

Here are a few ways we can use AI to make cities smarter:

1. Chatbots have proved to be very useful in navigating the government sector leading to simple and effective workflows. Every smart city is designed to solve a specific problem, and thus each smart city has different missions and objectives. In the context of India, a mission for developing and establishing 100 smart cities was launched to provide a sustainable environment and infrastructure for its residents. It's not physically possible for human agents to process a large volume of queries as well. There is clearly a disconnection between the populace and the local body in many towns and cities. In this case, automation can solve some of the common day-to-day hurdles.

Artificial intelligence can be used to understand the daily patterns of communication. Between phone calls and chat, there has been a trend for consumers and customers to prefer using chatbots. Even popular retail brands have started to use AI chatbots as part of their conversational marketing efforts to give their customers a personalized experience. This not only adds to customer retention but is more likely to convert an enquiry into a deal.

2. Adaptive Traffic Signals have been applied in cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio and Pittsburgh. These technologies use real-time data to change the timers on traffic lights to adjust the flow of traffic. This has improved travel times for city residents by 10 per cent and in some areas with outdated traffic signals by 50 per cent. Better traffic flow not only makes driving safer and pleasant but also can have immense economic significance. The Texas Transportation Institute has estimated the cost of traffic congestion at USD 87.2 billion in wasted fuel and lost productivity.

City traffic can definitely affect how our lives improve. Better traffic flow and sensors could better public transportation such as taxis, Uber, Lyfts and buses. This would directly affect affordability for these app-based taxi services which tend to have surge pricing based on traffic conditions and taxi availability. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and others tap into real-time information to make accurate arrival-time predictions available to the public. This is a game changer and something only smart cities can pull off! Know more here AI Chatbot

3. Surveillance and Security are going to play a major factor in smart cities in the future. Nvidia predicts there will be about 1 billion security cameras used around the world by 2020. While the placement of security cameras has sparked a debate about privacy and a militarized state, the presence of cameras has also made improvements in public safety, reduced crime rates, and catching terrorists. Unfortunately, the number of cameras will produce far more data than human operators will be able to manage. Machine learning and artificial intelligence will help improve facial recognition, tracking and other aspects of security detection.

Government agencies are now developing means to train AI systems to identify specific objects and activities in imagery. There is research being done for real-time monitoring of multiple videos feeds through a Deep Intermodal Video Analytics project, run by Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity. Nvidia is also developing a metropolis platform designed to use deep learning AI to help with analysis.

4. Water and Power are important resources to manage in a smart city. AI can be leveraged to streamline power and water usage. Google claims that AI has cut power requirements in its data centres by 40 per cent. Cities are now using smart grids to manage power better. Solar-powered microgrids can be used in airports as illustrated by the city of Chattanooga in Tennesee. AI is also being applied to water metering to curb excess water and find leaks.

5. Public Safety can be completely revolutionized if law enforcement agencies apply predictive modelling and AI framework to run checks against criminal databases. License plate reader technology can also be used by the police to find stolen cars and identify expired registrations. There are of course privacy concerns when predictive policing systems are used; no one wants a science fiction police state like the Steven Speilberg movie: Minority Report! There is a lot of work to be done before these technologies can be used effectively for the public.

[unfriendlypedestrian]

The patterns on the goods in this shop are designed to trigger Automated License Plate Readers, injecting junk data in to the systems used by the State and its contractors to monitor and track civilians and their locations.

https://adversarialfashion.com/

[wolfliving]

Meanwhile, in AI-ethics land

https://ainowinstitute.org/AI_Now_2019_Report.pdf

(...)

2.1 The Private Automation of Public Infrastructure

As attention to the concerns about AI infrastructures increases, we tend to see them discussed in terms of a dichotomy between public and private uses. This separation has always been false on some level and this year we have seen signs of its eventual collapse, with clear evidence of ongoing and expansive integration of public and private systems across many different AI domains.

AI and Neighborhood Surveillance

Troubling partnerships between government and private tech companies also emerged as a trend this year, especially those that extended surveillance from public environments into private spaces like private properties and the home.

For example, this summer, a Canadian RCMP troop in Red Deer, Alberta, launched a program called CAPTURE to enable “community assisted policing through the use of recorded evidence.”252The idea was for commercial businesses and personal residences with private security-camera infrastructure to effectively share the captured information on their private property with the police, under the guise of improved community safety. As of November, more than 160 properties are participating, effectively covering the entire map of the city, and providing access to the police surveillance of spaces previously inaccessible without a warrant and consent for entry.253 Since 2016, Project Green Light in the City of Detroit in the United States has been working in an almost identical fashion. By March of 2019, the mayor of Detroit decided to establish the “Neighborhood Real-Time Intelligence Program,” described as “a $9 million, state- and federally-funded initiative

AI Now 2019 Report page 36

that would not only expand Project Green Light by installing surveillance equipment at 500 Detroit intersections—on top of the over 500 already installed at businesses—but also utilize facial recognition software to identify potential criminals.”254

Amazon exemplified this new wave of commercial surveillance tech with Ring, a smart-security-device company acquired by Amazon in 2018. The central product is its video doorbell, which allows Ring users to see, talk to, and record those who come to their doorsteps. This is paired with a neighborhood watch app called “Neighbors,” which allows users to post instances of crime or safety issues in their community and comment with additional information, including photos and videos.255 A series of reports reveals that Amazon had negotiated Ring video-sharing partnerships with more than 700 police departments across the US. Partnerships give police a direct portal through which to request videos from Ring users in the event of a nearby crime investigation.256 Not only is Amazon encouraging police departments to use and market Ring products by providing discounts, but it also coaches police on how to successfully request surveillance footage from Neighbors through their special portal.257 As Chris Gilliard, a professor who studies digital redlining and discriminatory practices, comments: “Amazon is essentially coaching police on . . . how to do their jobs, and . . . how to promote Ring products.”258

Neighbors is joined by other apps like Nextdoor and Citizen, which allow users to view local crime in real time and discuss it with one another. Ring, Nextdoor, and Citizen have all been criticized for feeding into existing biases around who is likely to commit crime; Nextdoor even changed its software and policies given extensive evidence of racial stereotyping on its platform.259 Others see these app-based surveillance operations sowing a climate of fear, while tech companies profit from a false perception that crime is on the rise.260

Smart Cities

Concerns about the privatization of public space took center stage this year in the debate around “smart cities” (municipalities that use data, sensors, and algorithms to manage resources and services).

Most smart-city initiatives rely on public-private partnerships and technology developed and controlled by tech companies, which shifts public resources and control over municipal infrastructure and values to these companies.261 Recent research has exposed the extent to which major tech companies such as IBM and Cisco have been “selling smartness” by disseminating narratives about urban challenges and technological solutions to those challenges.262 The Alphabet company Sidewalk Labs has similarly been producing vision documents replete with renderings of utopian urban scenes.263 These companies see the potential for massive profits: one report estimated the global smart cities market being worth $237.6 billion by 2025.

Smart-city projects around the United States and the world increasingly consolidate power in the hands of for-profit technology companies, while depriving municipalities and their residents of resources and privacy. The highest-profile example is in Toronto, the home of Sidewalk Lab’s project to develop “the world’s first neighbourhood built from the internet up.”265 A report in February 2019 found that Sidewalk Labs has expressed a desire to receive a portion of the property taxes and development fees (estimated at $30 billion over 30 years) associated with the project, which would otherwise go to the City of Toronto.266 And in June 2019, Sidewalk Labs released a Master Innovation and Development Plan (MIDP), describing plans to develop and manage a far larger plot of land than the 12 acres for which the company was initially given license to develop plans.267

Smart-city projects also lack transparency and genuine forms of civic participation.268 Sidewalk Labs’s civic engagement efforts have been described as a process of obfuscation and “gaslighting.”269 Similarly, a contract between urban-planning software company Replica (a Sidewalk Labs spinoff company) and the Portland, Oregon regional transportation planning agency provides no public access to Replica’s algorithms.270 Siemens is launching a €600 million smart-city neighborhood in Berlin, creating “laboratories in reality” with barely any public meetings so far.271

Many of these public-private partnerships directly enhance the government’s surveillance capabilities. Chicago and Detroit have both purchased software enabling them to deploy facial recognition in the video feeds from cameras across the cities.272 Similarly, the multinational Chinese tech company Huawei’s $1.5 billion project to create smart cities in Africa273 included a project in Nairobi where it installed 1,800 cameras, 200 traffic surveillance systems, and a national police command center as part of its “Safe City” program.274 Huawei’s Safe City technology has been used by some African governments to spy on political opponents.275

In other cities, behind-the-scenes data-sharing arrangements allow data collected by private companies to flow into law-enforcement agencies. San Diego has installed thousands of microphones and cameras on street lamps in recent years in an effort to study traffic and parking conditions; although the data has proven of little use in improving traffic, the police have used the video footage in more than 140 cases without any oversight or accountability.276 The City of Miami is actively considering a 30-year contract with Illumination Technologies, providing the company with free access to set up light poles containing cameras and license-plate readers, collecting information that will filter through the Miami Police Department (and that the company can use in unchecked ways).277 Documents obtained via public-records requests showed that 300 police departments in California have access, through Palantir, to data collected and stored by the Department of Homeland Security’s Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, without any requirement to disclose their access to this information.278

Numerous groups are beginning to push back on the encroaching privatization fueled by smart cities, with the most concerted and organized effort in Toronto. In February, a group of 30 Torontonians launched the #BlockSidewalk campaign,279 and has noted that the project “is as much about privatization and corporate control as it is about privacy.”280 In April, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) filed a lawsuit against Waterfront Toronto, arguing the organization abused its legal authority in granting Sidewalk Labs the authority to develop data-governance policy.281 And after Sidewalk Labs released its MIDP, the Chairman of Waterfront Toronto (the government task force charged with managing the Sidewalk Labs project) critiqued the proposal in a public letter as “premature.”282

By the end of October, Waterfront Toronto had reached a new agreement with Sidewalk Labs, restricting Sidewalk Labs to the original 12-acre parcel and asserting the government’s role as leading key components of the project.283 The project’s ultimate fate is still undetermined: Waterfront Toronto continues to review the project and will come to a final decision about whether to proceed by March 31, 2020.284

AI at the Border

AI continues to play a larger and more pernicious role in the targeting of immigrant populations within the United States....