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This system that converts street signs to license plate readers to build a huge data base for supposed law enforcement presents far to many opportunities for abuse, it should be closely watched and regulated. By feeding all the information gathered into a massive data base there is no telling how this trove of information on our transportation habits could be used or abused. Being able to track our transportation habits when combined with other data that is already available presents many, many opportunities for abuse. The other question is what countries will this technology be sold to? This technology combined with facial recognition technology that is being more widely implemented every day and almost all privacy is rapidly disappearing. The real question that needs to be answered is what is the real value of privacy to a society and individual? How much does it affect productivity, collective intelligence, health, general well being, the economy and society as a whole? To create technologies without responsibility for their use proposes a whole new set of ethical questions the creators and society as a whole must ask itself. As our technologies of all types get ever more powerful and sophisticated, so to should our ability to use them, for if it doesn't the potential for harm could vastly outweigh the benefit. Any comments or thoughts solicited and welcome. [FONT=Theinhardt, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Uh, both Apple and Android phone users are constantly being tracked when GPS is turned on like when navigating using popular, free map apps, so this license plate reader system is just more of the same. I don't see people being alarmed about using free mapping apps, do you?
The issue is you can turn off the GPS or use a separate unit like I do so I don't have a conflict between navigation and phone functions. These signs don't have any way of opting out and that is the issue. Also this is 24/7/365 monitoring of everyone.
I have worked with security systems of many types for at least a cumulative ten years at all levels(airports, nuclear facilities, banks, etc.) and the vast majority are not reporting to a central data base. Many wars, moral, military and others, have been declared for our protection and safety and have created more dangers than before and literally cost of tens of trillions of dollars and millions of ruined lives with almost no positive results. C2H5OH is the most dangerous, damaging recreational drug and totally legal at all levels. The Netherlands have legal prostitution and the world's lowest sex crime rate.
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." by Ben Franklin
It's not about cameras or gps. It's people with no intention committing crimes being harassed unreasonably. Does anyone really want to be listed from some accusation from someone with a chip-on-their-shoulder or some idiot. Look at the culture war. The bullying has gone too far for a decade.
